§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what energy efficiency grants are available to agricultural projects in Northern Ireland for(a) farmers and (b) processors. [99322]
§ Mr. PearsonThe Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is implementing Measure 1.9 of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. This measure may assist farmers, working in groups, to implement solutions to specific environmental problems. The assistance available is in the form of a grant to implement remedial actions on individual holdings. Such actions could improve energy efficiency on farms.
Also DARD's Rural Development Programme (2001/2006) is broad based and there may be scope for individual farmers, farmers groups, collectives and cooperatives to bring forward proposals for consideration. The scope for funding an energy efficiency project or programme will depend on the nature of the proposal. All projects or programmes will be economically appraised and must meet the appropriate Programme/ measure criteria.