Vol. 527 No. 5
122 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the new schemes for the control of on-farm pollution under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 are expected to come into effect; the changes in eligibility and rules of support which are likely for the current schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29094/00]
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, provision has been made for a scheme of farm waste management and a scheme for the improvement of dairy hygiene standards. These schemes form part of the new regional operational programmes for the Border, midlands, and western region and southern and eastern region recently approved by the EU Commission. Formal clearance and approval is still awaited from the EU Commission in relation to the new scheme for the improvement of dairy hygiene standards to operate as a State aid. I anticipate that the two schemes will be open to applicants by the end of January 2001.
It is proposed that the new schemes will be open to farmers with a minimum of 20 income units from farming together with sufficient other income to ensure the viability of the farm up to a maximum of 200 income units including off-farm income.
Eligible applicants will also be required to meet certain minimum agricultural experience and training criteria and follow good farming practice. The grant aid will be calculated at the rate of 40% for farmers having up to 150 income units while farmers having more than 150 income units and up to a maximum of 200 income units will be eligible for a 20% grant rate. The maximum investment eligible for grant aid will be £40,000 under the farm waste management scheme and £25,000 under the scheme for the improvement of dairy hygiene standards. In addition, young trained farmers under 35 years will qualify for additional aid at the rate of 15% in the less favoured areas and 5% in the rest of the country under both schemes.
