West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Kelly welcomes commitment to hill farmers in latest round of Farm Modernisation Scheme.

Published: 2 March, 2010

Trillick Hill farmer, Cllr Pete Kelly has welcomed the Agriculture Ministers commitment to small farmers in the latest round of the Farm Modernisation Scheme.

Trillick Hill farmer, Cllr Pete Kelly has welcomed the Agriculture Ministers commitment to small farmers in the latest round of the Farm Modernisation Scheme.

Sinn Féin Councillor Peter Kelly has welcomed Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew's commitment to help smaller farm businesses working in challenging conditons. The commitment came as the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister announced the criteria for Tranche Two of the Farm Modernisation Scheme (FMS).

The Farm Modernisation Scheme allows farmers to upgrade or purchase farm machiney and will fund 40% of the cost of equipment, provided that receipts are produced. It is aimed primarily at easing the financial burden on people working within the farming industry.

Councillor Kelly, who is a hill farmer, has welcomed the announcement. He said the second tranche of funding from the Scheme would enable farmers to modernise their operations, become more competitive, and make a better living.

"The Minister has clearly set out that she aims to target disadvantage through the latest tranche of the FMS. She has also outlined her intention to focus on the Severely Disadvantaged and Disadvantaged Areas, as well as on the degree of modernisation sought.

"This financial boost will not only allow farmers to modernise, become more competitive and make a better living for themselves but will also provide a boost to the local economy, especially the suppliers of farm machinery. This is something which is not only welcome but also timely."

In her announcement the Minister said:

"My aim remains to ensure that those businesses on the margins of viability can better access the programme, and modernise. Farmers in the Less Favoured Areas, face permanent hardship as a result of the poor agricultural conditions they face."

The Scheme will be open in the spring of this year. Applications will be accepted by post, by hand and by email over a period of 6 weeks. It is understood that approximately £7 million will be available in tranche two of the FMS.

For further comment, contact Cllr Kelly on: 079 761 83079