The Ulster Farmers’ Union says it is pleased that agriculture minister, Michelle O'Neill, has responded positively to its call to support farmers and other rural businesses affected by the recent exceptional flooding between 7 November and 31 January 2016.
The Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme will provide flood assistance of £1,000 to non-domestic properties and small businesses, including farm businesses. It will also include recreational and community buildings and places of worship. It is a one off extension to the existing DOE scheme operated by local councils and will jointly-funded by DARD and DOE. DARD will also provide a technical assessment of eligibility in relation to farm businesses if required.
The application window will open from 4 April to 16 May. The scheme has a range of criteria as set out below:
– The claim is eligible where a loss incurred was not insurable;
– Only small businesses can apply (employing less than 25 people);
– Farm businesses will include farmyards and land farmed by the business;
– Farmland must have been underwater for at least 14 days and incurred additional cost due to reduced productivity or unplanned sward restoration / reseeding work;
– Businesses must have been unable to operate due to constrained access for at least 14 days; and
– Businesses must be able to demonstrate a remedial cost to the business of at least £1,000.
Anyone responsible for a non-domestic property impacted by the recent flooding is encouraged to contact your local council contact details are available at http://bit.ly/1RL2738. Further guidance and application forms will be available on the council websites from 4 April.
