FARMERS and growers can now apply for funding of up to £30,000 to support the purchase of equipment and machinery.
The second tranche of Tier 1 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme – Capital (FBIS-C) opened last week and will close at 4pm on February 2.
Tier 1 of FBIS-C is designed to support smaller scale investments that will improve the sustainability of farm businesses. It will support the purchase of equipment and machinery, costing from £5,000 to £30,000, from a list of eligible items. Grant support will be subject to budget availability, but it is envisaged that the second tranche will have a fund of £7.5million.
FBIS-C Tier 1 is delivered by Countryside Services Limited on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
Countryside Services will be hosting a series of information sessions in January. These will focus on the scheme requirements, how to apply and eligibility.
Eligible applications will be ranked according to the scheme selection criteria and the available funding awarded to the highest scoring applications.
Guidance on the Tier 1 application process can be found on the DAERA website at www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/farm-business-improvement-scheme or the Countryside Services website at: www.countrysideservices.com
