QPANI member concrete and precast companies are calling on all Northern Ireland farmers yet to complete works to increase storage capacity on their farms to start placing orders now. This is to have all storage tanks and works constructed and completed by December 2008 for them to receive their 60% Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) grant assistance from DARD. It is estimated that there maybe 2000 farmers who have been issued FNMS grant approvals but have not yet appointed a contractor.

Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS)

1. The FNMS provides capital grant support to farmers for investment in slurry and manure storage facilities. It is the key support measure to help farmers comply with the EU Nitrates Directive. EU State Aid approval for the FNMS requires that works are completed and claims submitted by 31 December 2008.
2. The work consists of constructing concrete slurry tanks. These must be strictly designed to BS5502/BS8007/SSAFO Standards and certified by an engineer.
3. 4,891 applications were received to the scheme when it closed on 31 March 2006. Currently 4400 applications are being progressed and some 4,000 approvals to commence work have issued.1,371 claims for payment have been received, of which 1,108 have been paid amounting to £33.4million.

QPANI Regional Director, Gordon Best speaking on behalf of the Concrete and Precast sectors voiced his concern about time running out for all works to be completed in the coming seven months. “If farmers simply leave it too late to commence construction and not achieve completion by December 2008 they may well miss out on their grant funding. DARD has been very clear that all grant claims have to be made by then, and if any farm is found to have inadequate storage after this date they will be made to construct works unaided, therefore it would be a shame if the farming community missed out.”

“We do not mean to scare monger however we want farmers to be realistic about planning works in the approved timescale and ensure the farming community take maximum benefit of the grant funding available” Gordon Best reiterated. “Don’t miss the opportunity, our QPANI member companies need to hear from you, place your order now!”

QPANI Members: Precast and Readymix Concrete Companies anies

Download a copy of QPANI Member companies supplying precast and readymix concrete here

List of Contractors Building Slurry Tanks

The Construction Employers Federation has compiled a list of contractors interested in building slurry tanks. 2000 tanks need to be built by the end of the year. This equates to a £100 M investment in only six months.  Click here for a copy of the list.

Media Release: Gildernew Urges Farmers to Grasp FNMS Funding Opportunity

Tool Box Talk: Sustainable Concrete