Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones has announced changes to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Catchment Sensitive Farming (Nitrate Vulnerable Zone) Grant Scheme.
Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones has announced changes to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Catchment Sensitive Farming (Nitrate Vulnerable Zone) Grant Scheme, removing the upper limit on eligible items.
The Scheme aims to prevent water pollution by helping farmers to improve water quality on their holdings, and is open to farmers within Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. These are areas of Wales designated as having high levels of nitrates, from agricultural sources, draining into ground or surface waters.
Speaking at Anglesey NFU’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday night (21 January), the Minister said the changes would enable farmers to improve slurry storage.
Elin Jones said:
“Since launching the Catchment Sensitive Farming Grant Scheme in December, representations have been made to me about removing the £10,000 limit on capital items eligible for purchase.
“Many farmers interested in the Scheme are looking to install improved slurry stores, which can cost in the region of £80,000. To encourage better slurry storage, I have decided to remove the £10,000 per item limit to make it possible for a farmer to receive the maximum £30,000 towards one item.
“The budget for the Scheme, £3.1m, remains the same and I must stress that the Welsh Assembly Government reserves the right to close the scheme before its official end date if the budget is exhausted.”
The Minister also confirmed that the higher level of support for young farmers would be maintained. Qualifying young farmers are entitled for support of 50% towards eligible costs up to £37,500 per holding, while other farmers receive 40% up to £30,000 per holding.
