The Department of Agriculture announced in February that the approval period to claim payment for low-emission slurry spreading equipment (LESS) had been extended to 12 months. However, the terms of the scheme had not been updated to reflect the change, leading to confusion for both farmers and advisers.

The extension was provided as machinery manufacturers are coming under increased pressure to keep up with the demand for LESS equipment. This has been compounded, as any farmer granted a nitrates derogation in 2018 is required to spread slurry after 15 June using LESS equipment.

A Department spokesperson clarified the changes: “The period between the date of approval and the date on which a complete payment claim must be submitted for LESS equipment has been revised to a 12-month period, with effect from tranche 10, which opened on 24 February 2018. This will also be applied to outstanding approvals where a payment claim has not yet been submitted. The applicants in this position have been advised in writing of the new arrangement in place.”

The maximum amount that is eligible for grant aid under the scheme is €40,000 per holding. This ceiling is independent of TAMS.

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