Grant scheme to keep slurry under wraps

A NEW grant is available to farmers in an effort to cut emissions of ammonia.
Natural England has launched the  Farming Ammonia Reduction Grant (FARG) scheme.
Under the scheme, farmers will be able to apply grant funding at 100 per cent more than the standard Countryside Stewardship rates to pay for slurry store covers. 
In addition, one-to-one advice will be available on ways to reduce ammonia emissions and conserve nitrogen, both of which could ultimately increase the efficiency of farm systems.
 Applications for the FARG scheme are open to all beef and dairy farmers in England.
Floating covers for slurry stores are grant funded at £11.20 per sq metre, while self-supporting covers attract a grant of £61 per sq metre. There is no maximum available grant on eligible.
The new grant has been welcomed by Thomas Armstrong, of H&H Land and Property.
He is urging farmers to take advantage of this additional funding, as well as the advice being offered. 
 “Ammonia is a key air pollutant that can have significant effects on human health and ecosystems and, in 2014, the agriculture sector accounted for 83 per cent of total emissions,” said Mr Armstrong, associate director and chartered surveyor for H&H Land and Property.
“This scheme will benefit both the environment and farming businesses, so we strongly recommend beef and dairy farmers make use of this grant funding if they can.”
 Slurry store covers can benefit farms by protecting the store from rainwater and reducing storage and field application costs.
Covers can also cut the loss of nitrogen and increase the quality of slurry as a fertiliser.
They also work towards reducing ammonia emissions and improving air quality and minimise odour.
The closing date for all applications to be received by Natural England is January 31.
As applications will be prioritised on a first come, first served basis, Mr Armstrong said is was important to apply as soon as possible.
To be eligible, existing storage facilities must meet Environment Agency rules for storing slurry.
Any covers installed under the scheme must be maintained for a minimum of five years.
In some cases, planning permission may be required.
Further information on the Farming Ammonia Reduction Grant scheme is available on the government’s website, www.gov.uk.