DEFRA has announced the new Slurry Infrastructure Grant. Farmers in England can apply to DEFRA for the new Slurry Infrastructure Grant of between £25,000 and £250,000.
This grant is open to dairy, beef, and pig farmers with slurry systems that do not have 6 months worth of covered storage capacity, based on existing stock numbers. The grant can be used to replace, build additional or expand existing slurry stores to provide 6 months’ storage, with any grant-funded store to be fitted with an impermeable cover. You can still apply if you plan to expand your capacity beyond 6 months, but the grant will only cover up to 6 months’ worth of storage.
The grant can be used for slurry stores including tanks, lagoons and concrete stores fitted with impermeable covers and large permanent bags, and will also fund items necessary for basic functioning e.g. reception pits, slurry pumps and agitators. Grant rates will be based on standard costs with a minimum grant of £25,000 and a maximum of £250,000. You must also have use of the facility for 5 years from the last grant payment, which will be after the store is paid for.
If oversubscribed, DEFRA will prioritise applications from areas targeted for water and air quality and their proximity to environmental sites, this can be checked using MAGIC maps.
Stage 1 – online eligibility checker closes on 31st January 2023. Before completing the online checker, use the slurry wizard tool to understand current and future slurry storage requirements. Then use the online checker to see if you’re eligible and to check how much grant you might get based on your storage needs.
Stage 2 – if eligible and the project has been prioritised due to its environmental benefits, the RPA will invite a full application, with a deadline of 28th June 2024.
Further details on the grant can be found on the government website
If you have any questions, please get in touch with D&R’s Cockermouth office on 01900 268633 or email cockermouth@drrural.co.uk
