More space for EFS higher participants

More applicants will be allowed on to the latest tranche of the Environmental Farming Scheme higher level, DAERA has confirmed.

Last year, less than a quarter of the 966 applicants in the fourth tranche of the scheme received agreement offers.

“Due to the demand in previous years, DAERA intends to increase the number of agreements it issues this year. For those farmers who were unsuccessful with previous applications, it may be worth trying again this year,” states new guidance from DAERA.

EFS higher level is for land in environmentally designated areas and applications for the fifth tranche of the scheme close on 21 May.

Single Application deadline next week

The deadline for submitting single application forms in NI before late penalties apply is midnight on Monday 17 May.

Farmers are being encouraged to direct any queries to DAERA’s advisory service by calling 0300 200 7848 or using the webchat facility on the online application.

The service will run from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. It is available from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.

NI food sector has ‘both hands tied’

The absence of capital grant support and a marketing body means the NI food sector has “both hands tied behind its back”, according to a Michael Bell from the NI Food and Drink Association.

In a statement, Bell said that NI was the only region on the islands without a processor capital grant scheme.

“Wales, Scotland and England already have schemes in place with support rates of between 20-40%. The Republic of Ireland earlier this year announced a €100m capital investment scheme with a 30% support rate,” Bell said.

He added that the lack of a food export marketing body was another challenge for the industry: “The time is now for this stark competitive disadvantage to be addressed.”

The comments were made following the publication of new report which shows the NI food and drink industry supports 113,000 jobs and contributes £4.9bn in value added turnover to the economy.

Dutch boost for MPI

The latest milk price indicator (MPI) issued by the UFU has increased by 0.21p/l to 32.3p/l.

The MPI is now at its highest level since mid-summer 2017 and it has consistently held above the 32p/l mark since the start of March.

While last week’s GDT eased marginally by 0.7%, the higher MPI reflects the strength of European markets in recent weeks.

At the week’s Dutch Dairy Board auction, butter rose by €60/t to €3,980/t, whole milk powder increased by €20 to €3,150/t, while skim milk powder jumped by €40 to €2,580/t.

YFCU’s £270,000 from DAERA

The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) is to receive a funding package worth £270,000 from DAERA.

The support will be split over the next three years and will be used to provide agricultural-related training and personal development for young people.

“I commend the YFCU for the positive results and outcomes that have been achieved as part of the 2018-21 programme of work, especially as they have had to overcome and adapt to the many challenges they have faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said DAERA Minister Edwin Poots.