She said: "I welcome the long-awaited announcement that DAERA's Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will open later this month. Farmers have been waiting patiently for this capital grant scheme, and after repeated delays in recent months it is encouraging to finally see it being delivered.

"Farming families are under immense pressure from rising costs, tighter margins and increasing legislation and regulatory demands. They are continually being asked to do more to protect the environment, improve animal health and welfare, and enhance business efficiency, but those ambitions must be matched by critical financial support.”

The Upper Bann MP added: "The availability of grants of up to £25,000 towards investment in modern equipment and technology will help many farm businesses invest in improvements that might otherwise have been financially beyond their reach.

“Supporting precision farming, improved slurry management, livestock health technologies and more efficient equipment is an investment in the long-term sustainability, competitiveness and resilience of Northern Ireland agriculture. The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme is open to all sectors, fruit, vegetables, crops, grassland and livestock.”

The scheme will be rolled out over three or four years. The first tranche opens for online applications on Tuesday, 21^st July, and closes six weeks later at 11.59pm on Thursday, 3^rd September. Investments ranging from £3,000 to £62,500 will be eligible for 40% grant support.

An extensive list of eligible items is available on the DAERA website and includes automated technology, livestock handling equipment, machinery such as fertiliser sowers, sprayers, grass tedders and low emission slurry spreading equipment (LESSE).

Carla Lockhart continued: "I also welcome DAERA’s simplified application process, including the removal of the requirement to obtain quotes for eligible and selected items, which should make the scheme more accessible and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.

"However, the delays in bringing forward this scheme have caused frustration across the industry, especially for businesses trying to plan ahead. It is vital that DAERA delivers the scheme efficiently, with clear guidance for applicants and prompt processing of applications.

"Farmers need confidence that future rounds of the scheme will be adequately funded and delivered on schedule so they can continue investing and future-proofing their businesses to meet the challenges ahead,” she said.



Concluding the MP added: "Northern Ireland's farmers are committed to producing high-quality food while enhancing the environment. They deserve practical backing from Government, and I hope the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme marks a renewed commitment to supporting the people who are critical for food security and the backbone of our thriving rural economy."