AQW 49672/11-16 Written question to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what fiscal support exists for farm businesses in the agri-food sector which are seeking to expand.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 9 October 2015
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 9 October 2015
- Answer due by
- 26 October 2015
- Answered
- 23 October 201514 days after tabling
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme (RDP) is now being wound up, having provided £14.13m of fiscal support to farm businesses through the Farm Modernisation Programme.
Looking forward, the Farm Business Improvement Scheme (FBIS) will be a cornerstone of the 2014-2020 RDP and will be the main source of fiscal support from DARD for farm businesses seeking to expand. It will consist of a package of measures aimed at knowledge transfer, cooperation, innovation and capital investment.
The resource element of FBIS will comprise of support aimed at knowledge transfer, training, innovation, and cooperation. Supporting capital investment in the farming industry will be an important element of the FBIS and will likely be provided in a tiered manner that will be linked to the needs identified in the farmer’s business plan.
The main capital intervention is the Business Investment Scheme (BIS), aimed at assisting on-farm efficiency by supporting those who wish to invest to improve farm practices, grow their business and increase farm competitiveness. It has an indicative allocation of up to £193 million.
The plan is to roll out the FBIS package in a phased way. The early focus will be on making advice and support available to farmers through knowledge transfer measures to assist farmers to clearly identify their needs and make informed decisions about their business.
The first phase is expected to open for applications in October this year. This will establish Business Development groups for farmers to help them improve their knowledge of business management, new technologies and innovative ways of working. DARD is also planning to deliver Farm Family Key Skills training schemes, including farm safety and business planning in this initial phase.
It is anticipated that these early schemes will help farmers think carefully about their business plans in advance of the opening of the proposed BIS in 2016, and in particular before they decide to take on additional financial commitments.