Farm Conservation Grant Scheme, 1989.

This Scheme complies with EC regulations on improving the efficiency of agricultural structures, on mountain and hill farming and farming in less favoured areas. The Scheme provides for aid to agricultural businesses, in the form of grants, for expenditures incurred for specific works, facilities and transactions. Grant levels vary according to the type of works, facilities and transactions involved. Higher grants may be payable to businesses in less-favoured areas. These are defined by reference to designated maps which are available for inspection. The Scheme also imposes certain restrictions on the payment of grants, provides for standard costs and for the reduction on the payment or withholding of grants in certain circumstances where it would otherwise be payable. It also sets closing dates for claims and for incurring certain expenditures. Variations are also made to the Agricultural Improvement Scheme 1985, which is now superseded by the present Scheme. The provision, installation and replacement of heating systems in durable plastic-clad structures for horticultural produce is now eligible for grants.