Those upgrading slurry storage to meet new requirements or building irrigation lagoons urged to apply before 19 April deadline.
NFU Scotland is notifying those considering erecting or upgrading their slurry storage to meet new regulations that the latest funding round opens tomorrow (15 February).
The round also includes support for irrigation lagoons, a new measure that NFU Scotland has been calling for given significant water shortages seen in some areas in recent years.
NFU Scotland received confirmation from Scottish Government that the grant funding for slurry storage and irrigation lagoons, delivered through the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS), will open with £4 million being made available for successful applications received before 19 April 2024.
Scottish Government has indicated this will be the final year that support for slurry storage will be available. Under new rules, farms where slurry from cattle is produced are required to have 22 weeks slurry storage capacity by 1 January 2026. Slurry stores constructed before September 1991 have until 2026 to comply with the new storage requirements, but those constructed after this date must comply by 2024.
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has committed to working with those farmers who have less than 22 weeks storage after 1 January 2026 with the aim of reaching compliance as quickly as possible. Around 60 Scottish farms applied for slurry storage funding in the 2023 AECS round, largely due to the short application window, but the expectation is that many more will apply in 2024.
Since early December 2023, NFU Scotland has been encouraging those likely to be applying to the current round of funding for slurry storage to undertake planning ahead of the scheme’s opening.
NFU Scotland Director of Policy Jonnie Hall said: “On supporting slurry storage, this is a step in the right direction. There is an increased payment rate of up to £20 per cubic metre (up to 2,000 cubic metres). Previous recipients can apply although first time applicants will be prioritised.
“To improve industry resilience in light of recent significant water shortages in some areas, having irrigation lagoons included for the first time shows that Scottish Government has listened to us and accepted the proposals we submitted.
“For those looking to either erect a slurry store or construct an irrigation lagoon, the application window closure on 19 April remains very tight. We recognise that this is set to ensure works can be completed and claims made within the constraints of a financial (scheme) year.
“It's not ideal, but we urge members to use what's on offer - not least as the clock is ticking on the four-year phase in of the new slurry storage regulations.”
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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006