Fleming calls for changes to Farm Business Improvement Scheme

Derry Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Fleming has called for changes to the Farm Business Improvement Scheme to support farmers.

Cllr Fleming (pictured), the leader of the Sinn Fein grouping on Derry City and Strabane District Council, said he had concerns about the items that were eligible for grants through the scheme.

He added: "I was very surprised that no provision was made for farm safety equipment or IT equipment.

"Given the push towards online applications for grants and payments and the fact that farmers are actually given additional points for applying online then it stands to reason that help should be available to allow farmers to do that.”

Cllr Fleming concluded: "We will be contacting the agriculture minister asking for this to be reconsidered so that the eligibility for grants under the Farm Business Improvement Scheme is widened."