More than 130 farmers in specified areas in Wales have expressed an interest in the Welsh Assembly Government’s £3.1m Catchment Sensitive Farming (Nitrate Vulnerable Zones) Grant Scheme. The Welsh Assembly Government is reminding other farmers who may be interested and eligible to apply soon.
The Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) grant helps farmers comply with NVZ regulations.
The Regulation, which comes fully into force on 1 January 2012, will require farmers within NVZs to have sufficient slurry storage facilities to provide five months’ storage, in addition to only spreading slurry using equipment with a low spreading trajectory, for example, below 4 metres from the ground.
Eligible farmers can receive up to 40 per cent of their costs to become compliant, with a maximum grant per holding of £30,000. Young Farmers, who meet the criteria, will benefit from 50 per cent of costs, resulting in a grant of up to £37,500.
In addition, grants are available to carry out other pollution prevention works including roofing over livestock yards and silage stores. Grants for fieldworks such as watercourse fencing and advice and guidance will also be offered.
Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said:
“Many farmers are looking to improve slurry stores, which can cost in the region of £80,000. This grant scheme helps farmers make these vital changes.
“There is only a limited amount of money available, and already £440,000 has been allocated. If farmers are interested, I urge them to take advantage of the scheme early.”
Richard Knowles, who farms Honkley Farm near Wrexham has installed a below ground concrete store that complies with the regulations. He said:
“There is no doubt putting in extra storage to comply with the Regulation is very costly but we are pleased that the Assembly Government has recognised that there is an extra cost to meeting the requirements and is giving us a helping hand to put in the infrastructure, improve our business and look after the environment.”
The scheme is open until 31 December 2011, by which time all work must be completed.
