Thomas Reduction Grant

( FARG ) Scheme has been

welcomed by Thomas Armstrong of H & H Land and Property . As part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme , farmers will be able to apply grant funding at 100 % more than the standard Countryside Stewardship rates to

pay for slurry store covers . In addition , one-to one advice will be available on ways to reduce ammonia emissions and conserve nitrogen , both which could ultimately increase the efficiency of farm systems .

Applications for the FARG Scheme are open to all beef and dairy farmers in England , and H & H Land and Property are urging farmers to take advantage of this additional funding , as well as the advice being offered . Floating covers for slurry stores are grant funded at £ 11.20 per m2 , while self-supporting covers attract a grant of £ 61.00 per m2 . There is no maximum available grant on eligible items for each farm business .

“ Ammonia is a key air pollutant that can have significant effects on human health and ecosystems and , in 2014 , the agriculture sector accounted for 83 % of total emissions ,” said Thomas Armstrong , Associate Director and Chartered Surveyor for H & H Land and Property . “ This scheme will benefit both the environment and farming businesses , so we strongly recommend beef and dairy farmers make use of this grant funding if they can .”

Slurry store covers can benefit farms by :

• protecting the store from rainwater and reducing storage and field application costs

• reducing the loss of nitrogen

Armstrong

and increasing the quality of slurry as a fertiliser

• working toward reducing ammonia emissions and improving air quality

• minimising odour emissions

With the closing date for all applications to be received by Natural England by the 31st January 2017 , there is only a short window remaining . As applications will be prioritised on a first come first served basis , H & H suggest applying as soon as possible .

To be eligible , your existing storage facilities must meet Environment Agency rules for storing slurry . Any covers installed under the Scheme must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years . In some cases , planning permission may be required .

“ Even the simplest of schemes can have added complications , so it is important that farmers seek professional advice ,” adds Thomas .

H & H Land and Property with their team of experts in Countryside Stewardship grant funding , can help guide farmers through the application process .

For further information on the Farming Ammonia Reduction Grant Scheme , you can contact one of the experts at H & H Land and Property at info @ hhland . co . uk , telephone 01228 406260 or visit the GOV . UK website

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