The scheme has proved popular so far, with more than
3,500 grants worth £23.5 million being awarded to
successful applicants.
However, Defra is aware that some farmers are
experiencing issues with the delivery of their items in
the first round of funding within the scheme’s 150 day
deadline.
From today, farmers who purchase their equipment and
submit their claims within the 150 day deadline can
take delivery of their equipment after the 150 days and
will receive payment once the item has been delivered.
Defra will also be opening a second round of funding,
due to open in the Autumn, giving farmers who withdrew
their applications, the option to have it reinstated
now or in the next round. The Rural Payments Agency
will be contacting grant recipients who have an offer
for livestock handling equipment but have withdrawn
because of issues with livestock handling equipment, to
inform them of this option. Any other supply issues
should be discussed with the RPA separately.
Most of the items offered through the scheme are
readily available from different stockists, so
applicants are encouraged to shop around when looking
for items so that they can claim as quickly as
possible.
More detail on the second round of grants will follow
in the coming months. For more detail on the
Countryside Productivity Scheme please
see here.
