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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