11/01/2022

New £12m Farmers And Growers Fund Announced

A new £12 million investment fund has been announced for farmers and growers to provide transformational investment in on-farm projects.

Announcing that Tier 2 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme - Capital (FBIS-C) is now open for applications, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots said: "I am delighted to announce the re-opening of Tier 2 FBIS Capital. The focus of this multi-million pound fund is on larger-scale investment to encourage a step change in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.

"We want to drive transformational investment in future proofed, fit-for-purpose, modern infrastructure and equipment, guided by a robust business planning process within assisted farms.

"I am now inviting those farmers and growers who submitted an Expression of Interest and who are ready to make a significant investment to transform their business to come forward now with their application to the scheme.

"I would encourage all applicants to familiarise themselves with the online guidance which is available on the DAERA website, ahead of making an application to what will be a highly competitive scheme. My Department will issue invitations later this month for all eligible applicant to attend further online information sessions."

There was a significant number of Expressions of Interest in this tranche of Tier 2 FBIS – Capital, which were used to explore the type of investment planned, approximate total costs and potential time for completion.

DAERA held online information events in October for potential applicants to the scheme, which will provide a grant rate of 40% of eligible costs, with £250,000 the maximum grant available.

Only those farm businesses which submitted an Expression of Interest will be eligible to submit a full application for Tier 2 tranche 2 by the application closing date, 4pm on 1 April 2022.

Applicants will be required to submit a separate robust, viable and sustainable business plan as part of their full application, which shows that they have carefully planned their investment and what difference the proposed project will make in transforming their farm into a more sustainable, efficient and safer business.

All projects which involve construction or extension of buildings will require planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness to be in place before a full application to the scheme is submitted.

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

09 December 2013
Community Projects Receive £1.1m
A total of 16 community groups across Belfast have received total funding of just over £1.1m from City Council. The funding boost is being delivered through the £5m Local Investment Fund (LIF), which is part of the council's wider Investment Programme for the city. The move brings the overall amount allocated through the fund to over £2.
16 May 2013
£1.25m For Belfast Community Projects
20 community regeneration projects across Belfast have received funding totalling £1.25m from the City Council. The funding is part of £5m set aside for the Local Investment Fund (LIF). Just under £1.3m is earmarked each to the North, South, East and West of the city and a further £490,000 allocated for the Shankill area.
05 November 2024
Economy Minister Seeks Clarity On Go Succeed Initiative
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that he is seeking clarity on the continued support of the Go Succeed service. Go Succeed is the council led business start-up service for the north of Ireland and is majority funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
17 June 2003
Invest NI reveals £600m commitment in past year
During 2002/3, Invest NI gained commitments from client companies, universities and other economic bodies to spend over £600m across a range of activities. Invest NI contributed towards these investments by offering £138m in finance, advice and other support programmes.
14 November 2024
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.