New grant scheme for livestock manure processing projects
The Irish Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mary Coughlan T D, recently announced the introduction of a new Scheme to support the demonstration of new and emerging technologies to further assist the agriculture sector in meeting the requirements of the Nitrates Directive.
The new Scheme will provide grant-aid for up to ten projects throughout the country which will demonstrate the advantages of new technologies, such as fluidised bed combustion or treatment plants comprising of anaerobic or aerobic digestion, for the processing of livestock manure or mushroom compost.
While the Scheme will be open to applications from all sectors, the Minister said it would prove to be particularly attractive to the pig and poultry sectors. She added that she was prepared to consider applications for grant-aid under the Scheme in relation to other types of technology involving the processing of livestock manures or mushroom compost.
The maximum investment ceiling per project will be €1 million and the grant-rate will be 40%, thereby bringing the total State contribution to a maximum of €4 million. All farmers who exceeded a minimum of 60 Income Units from farming would be eligible to apply for the Scheme.
The Scheme forms part of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and this Scheme will close for applications on 31 December 2006. The Minister advised farmers who were interested in pursuing the option of installing technology of this type on their farms to consider carefully the possibility of submitting an application for aid under the Scheme.
While the Scheme will be open to applications from all sectors, the Minister said it would prove to be particularly attractive to the pig and poultry sectors. She added that she was prepared to consider applications for grant-aid under the Scheme in relation to other types of technology involving the processing of livestock manures or mushroom compost.
The maximum investment ceiling per project will be €1 million and the grant-rate will be 40%, thereby bringing the total State contribution to a maximum of €4 million. All farmers who exceeded a minimum of 60 Income Units from farming would be eligible to apply for the Scheme.
The Scheme forms part of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and this Scheme will close for applications on 31 December 2006. The Minister advised farmers who were interested in pursuing the option of installing technology of this type on their farms to consider carefully the possibility of submitting an application for aid under the Scheme.
Details of the Scheme and application form are available on the Department of Agriculture and Food website at Scheme of Investment Aid For Demonstration On-Farm Waste Processing Facilities .
