asked the Minister for Agriculture if his Department have submitted projects for funding from the EC Council Regulation No. 797/85; and if he will outline the qualifying criteria.
Written Answers. - EC Funded Projects.
204.
A new farm investment aid scheme entitled the farm improvement programme was introduced on 4 February 1986. The programme which is based on EC Regulation 797/85 replaces the farm modernisation scheme. Under the programme full time farmers who are suitably trained and qualified and whose income per man work unit (MWU) is below a certain reference level may undertake a farm improvement plan for at least two and not more than six years. Provided the plan is capable of increasing the farmer's income per MWU by at least 5 per cent he will be entitled to receive grant aid for eligible investment included in the plan.
Approval has been sought from the EC Commission for a scheme which will implement the provisions of EC Regulation 797/85 on installation aids for young farmers.