Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill today urged farmers not to pass up the opportunity to shape the Farm Business Improvement Scheme (FBIS).
The Minister was speaking just one week before the closing date for the Whole Farm Needs Assessment (WFNA) survey – designed to assist in the structure of the FBIS – on 3 April.
She said: “I would urge every farmer to take part in this survey as the information gathered will help us assess the type and level of government support needed to meet farmers’ business objectives. Furthermore, it will help in the design of our proposed FBIS, a scheme which could bring a boost of up to £250million to our industry.
“The closing date is next Friday so time is short. I urge farmers, who have not yet submitted a return, to think hard about how they can develop their business sustainably and, in turn, help to shape proposals for this vital scheme.”
She added: “The FBIS is a very important element of our draft Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. This survey offers farmers an opportunity to inform us of the barriers they face in meeting their business objectives and will provide the information we need to shape the FBIS to best meet their needs. It helps farmers critically assess their business and make the right decisions as they plan ahead for the next few years.
“It is a very important opportunity that should not be missed and I would encourage all farmers to take part in the Whole Farm Needs Assessment survey before next Friday.”
The survey is available at:
www.dardni.gov.uk/whole-farm-needs-assessment.htm
and the closing date is 3 April 2015.
]]>
