The Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture is pleased to announce the re-opening of the Farm and Horticultural Improvement Scheme (FHIS) from Monday 10th December until 4.30pm on Friday 14 December 2012.

Minister Gawne said “I am pleased we have been able to provide Capital Investment support to farmers this winter, despite the pressures the Department is facing.  I understand that there are a significant number of farmers who are confident about their future and want to invest and expand.  This will be good for their businesses and also help stimulate much needed work in the construction sector.  As well as the increased investment and their future profitability, this is good for the wider economy.”

An amendment to the Countryside Care Scheme in March 2012 has allowed DEFA to redirect money which would have previously been dispersed as positive modulation to support this scheme.

Many aspects of the Scheme, such as supportable items, rates of grants, including enhanced rates for young farmers, remain the same. There are however some new measures which will simplify the application process for farmers and allow streamlined administration by DEFA leading to an improved service for applicants.

As previously, applications of more than ?15,000 will require a business case to be submitted. All relevant paperwork can be found on the DEFA website: http://www.gov.im/daff/animals/fhis.xml.

For further information, please contact Agriculture@gov.im or 685844.

There will be a second application period before the end of March 2013.  This application period will be longer and we will give further information on this as soon as possible.