Farmers are being urged by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) to capitalise on the Countryside Stewardship scheme and apply to improve their slurry storage options.
With capital grants for the scheme open all year for applications, the NFU said farmers should consider applying to avail of one of the two options for store cover.
The scheme offers farmers funding for either self-supporting slurry store covers or floating covers for slurry stores and lagoons.
Both options have benefits for the farmer and the environment, according to the NFU.
“Both self-supporting and floating covers will prevent rainwater from entering a slurry store, reducing the amount of slurry that needs to be stored and spread and, in doing so, help protect the environment and cut your costs,” the union said.
Funds and applications
Funding for the self-supporting slurry store covers is £26.50 per square metre, while the funding for lagoon style covers is £2.75 per square metre, the NFU said.
The advised farmers that this item can only be used:
- In areas targeted for the reduction of water and air pollution from agriculture;
- For roofing an existing above ground circular store;
- With support from a Catchment Sensitive Farming officer.
Capital grants are offered alongside the Countryside Stewardship revenue options, meaning it is available for those on both mid-tier and higher-tier agreement, the NFU said.
The union urged farmers to find out more about the capital grants for 2023 via the UK government website.
If a farmer’s store is within a targeted area and they meet the other requirements, they can start the application process today with the help of a catchment sensitive farming (CSF) officer.
All applications for a self-supporting cover grant require CSF officer approval, and applications for a floating cover grant are more likely to succeed with their endorsement too.
“If you believe you meet the criteria, we strongly encourage you to contact your local CSF officer as soon as possible to discuss your option,” the NFU said.
