Ulick Burke
Question:196 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when application forms will be available under the new farm building scheme; the rules which will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6956/99]
Written Answers. - Agricultural Schemes.
Draft schemes for the control of farm pollution and the improvement of dairy hygiene standards, targeted towards those farmers most in need of assistance, were submitted to the European Commission for approval last month. The schemes will be introduced and application forms made available as soon as the Commission's approval is received.
The proposed grant rate under both schemes is 40 per cent of the cost of approved investments on the basis of standard costings. Grant ceilings will apply to the schemes. The schemes will be confined to farmers with enterprises involving not more than 100 income units including off farm income. Typically this would include farmers with either a dairy enterprise which has an annual milk quota of up to 40,000 gallons or a suckler cow and beef enterprise with up to 50 suckler cows and followers.