The Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture is pleased to announce the opening of the next application period of the Farm and Horticultural Improvement Scheme (FHIS) from Monday 26th August until 4pm on Friday 13th September 2013.

Minister Gawne said “I am pleased we have been able to provide Capital Investment support to farmers, despite the pressures the Department is facing. Many farmers experienced damage to their livestock buildings during the recent adverse weather and this will assist those who wish to rebuild. This will be good for their business and also help stimulate much needed work in the construction sector. The increased investment will assist farmers improve their profitability and of course this capital investment is good for the wider economy.”

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 will be available on the DEFA website in August 2013: http://www.gov.im/daff/animals/fhis.xml

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