Following on from last week’s statement opposing DARD’s proposals for the delivery of the second Tranche of the Farm Modernisation Scheme, the Ulster Farmers’ Union has already taken action.
UFU President Graham Furey states; “We are extremely concerned that DARD has put forward a plan for the delivery of tranche 2 of the Farm Modernisation Scheme that will significantly disadvantage a large proportion of potential applicants. This week we presented our views on the DARD proposals to the NI Rural Development Programme Monitoring Committee which had an EU Commission Official in attendance. We have also written to Minister Michelle Gildernew highlighting our concerns regarding these proposals and our disappointment and frustration on the failure to carry out proper consultation on this important issue despite repeated requests from the UFU.
“Many farmers were left frustrated by the queuing process in tranche 1 and the subsequent confusion created by the intervention of the EU Commission. The UFU understand that DARD must alter the selection process for tranche 2 in light of the problems with its predecessor, but we are totally opposed to the changes DARD has put forward. The land classification criterion blatantly disadvantages lowland producers, despite the fact that they too contribute to modulation funding and have an equal need to continue the process of modernising their businesses. In effect, all lowland producers are being denied a fair and equitable opportunity and will now be virtually excluded from Modernisation Funding. We also have concerns about DARD proposals to weight the extent to which individual grant items have a ‘modernising effect’.
“We have asked the Minister to reconsider using land classification as a selection criterion, to re-evaluate other proposals for the scheme and consult fully with all relevant stakeholders to introduce a more appropriate system that is more relevant to the farm modernisation scheme and does not significantly disadvantage large numbers of local farmers.”
Mr Furey added; “Next week, the UFU is meeting with the Assembly Agriculture Committee and we will be outlining our concerns on this issue to them. This is not something that we intend to let go of until DARD re-assesses its proposals.”