Second Farm 'Queue' Application Criticised

Limited resources have again led to NI farmers being forced to 'get in line' for an important grant-linked scheme.

NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew has been accused of showing 'defiance' to her critics by launching another farm scheme on a first come, first served basis.

Just days after farmers had been forced to 'camp' outside government offices in order to get an application in for a £5,000 farm upgrade grant - another initiative is being offered on a first come, first served basis.

On Wednesday Ms Gildernew launched a scheme for farmers to update official records on the size of their farms, for grant purposes, adding that she expected a large number of applications.

"I expect there will be strong interest in this initiative," she said in a statement.

"Due to the limited number of map editors available, the service will be offered on a first come, first served basis at seven DARD offices.

"I would urge farmers to make an appointment with their nearest office in order to avail of this service."

But members of the Assembly agriculture committee were angered to hear that the minister had launched another 'first come, first served' scheme.

But SDLP Agriculture Spokesman PJ Bradley said the statement was "certainly giving a defiant gesture" to those who criticised the minister earlier this week.

"A first come, first served basis is certainly a breach of the good service standards the Department of Agriculture once offered," said the MLA.

"The solution is that the minister should put on sufficient staff to deal with demand."

A spokesman for the minister responded: "This is not about a grant scheme application or queues.

"The map press release is inviting farmers to get an appointment so that they can review and correct their farm map.

"The sooner they make their appointment the easier it will be for them to secure an appointment slot which is convenient for them."

However, the Chairman of the Stormont Agriculture Committee William McCrea said he felt "the whole issue of first come, first served" now had to be reviewed.

Yesterday, it was reported that the European Commission had slammed the initial 'first come, first served' scheme as being inappropriate to any such EC-funded initiative.

See: EC Slams Farm Grant Queues

(BMcC/JM)