Opportunities for the Equine Sector in Northern Ireland

Transcription

1 Opportunities for the Equine Sector in Northern Ireland A Brief Guide to Axes 1, 3 & 4 of The NI Rural Development Programme Equine Council for Northern Ireland

2 CONTENTS Foreword 3 Introduction 4 Applying To The Programme 4 Axis 1 Of The NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) 5 Background 5 Axis 1 Delivery 6 Examples Of Axis 1 Measures 6 Farm Family Options Mentoring 6 Farm Family Options Skills Training 6 Farm Modernisation Programme 7 Focus Farms 7 Axes 3 & 4 Of The NI Rural Development Programme 8 Axis 3/4 Frequently Asked Questions 9 Who Is Eligible To Apply? 9 What Are The Programme Measures? 9 What Geographic Areas Are Covered? 10 What Kind Of Support Is Available? 10 What Grant Rates Are Available? 10 What About Match Funding? 10 What Are The Eligibility Requirements? 11 How Do I Make An Application For Grant Aid? 11 What Supporting Documentation Is Required? 11 What Are The Application Stages? 12 What Are The Evaluation Criteria Of Projects? 12 Do I Get My Grant Upfront Or Upon Project Completion? 12 Examples Of Projects For The Equine Sector? 13 What Is The Rural Network For Northern Ireland? 13 Annex 1 Local Action Group Map And Contacts 14 Annex 2 Axis 3 Current Opening/Closing Dates (As Of May 2012) 15 Glossary Of Terms: Assessment 16 The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas. 2

3 FOREWORD As Chairman of the Equine Council for Northern Ireland it gives me great pleasure to introduce this Guide to Axes 1, 3 & 4 of the NI Rural Development Programme: Opportunities for the Equine Sector in Northern Ireland. The purpose of the document is to clearly set out the opportunities available for the equine sector as part of the Rural Development Programme. The equine industry makes a valuable contribution to the Northern Irish economy at all levels and provides much needed employment in rural areas. In addition to the direct financial contribution associated with the traditional areas of horse breeding, production and sales; many ancillary businesses have grown and developed to support these core activities. This network of individuals and businesses enhances the fabric of rural life and is constantly evolving and developing. Historically, equine enterprises have not actively accessed rural funding yet they perform varied and valuable functions in rural areas. As well as the economic benefits, our horse breeders and owners play their role in land management and environmental enhancement. With the continuing development of the tourist sector here in Northern Ireland, we must recognise that the horse has a significant part to play as a land based activity and we must invest resources to ensure we capitalise on this. Horses are an important part of rural life and Northern Ireland is renowned for producing world class performers in terms of horses, riders and associated professionals. The sector also provides a unique opportunity for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to take part in an activity that is beneficial to their physical and mental wellbeing and therefore plays a part in improving overall health. We recognise the importance of a structured system of development and believe that the Rural Development Programme can deliver this level of support to the equine sector as part of its overall strategy. The Equine Council for Northern Ireland has worked closely with the Rural Development Council and DARD and we will continue to do so at a strategic level in the development of future programmes. This Programme Guide includes information of the types of funding that are available to the sector and how to access these funds. It gives a clear guide on how to get further information from your Local Action Group or the Countryside Agri-Rural Partnership to commence the application process. We understand that any funding process may appear to be daunting at first inspection but would like to reassure applicants that full support and guidance is available at all stages of the project. I believe that this publication will prove to be a valuable source of information and encouragement for the equine sector and indeed the wider rural community in Northern Ireland as we look forward to a bright future for the industry. TONY McCUSKER Chair, Equine Council for Northern Ireland 31

4 The Equine Council The Equine Council for Northern Ireland is a representative organisation serving the equine industry in Northern Ireland. The Council s main objective is to provide a voice for the sector as a whole and to represent the interests of horses, owners and the related equine businesses at all levels. The council covers both the Sport Horse and Thoroughbred Sectors in addition to Education, Leisure and Ancillary Services. The equine sector in Northern Ireland covers a wide spectrum of organisations and is also in an important geographical position. This provides both opportunities and challenges and ECNI is involved in representing the interests of the industry at not only local Council and Government level but also on an Ireland, UK and European-wide basis. ECNI is made up of a voluntary council of industry representatives supported by a Development Officer. The work of the Council is currently funded by a grant from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Contact details Equine Council for Northern Ireland c/o Rural Development Council 17 Loy Street Cookstown Co Tyrone BT80 8PZ info@equinecouncilni.com Tel

5 INTRODUCTION The Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme (NI RDP) is jointly funded by the European Union, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). The Programme aims to protect and enhance our rural environment and contribute to the development of competitive and sustainable rural businesses and thriving rural communities. It is worth over 500 million and represents one of the largest ever investments in rural communities in Northern Ireland. The NI RDP is split into 4 main themes, commonly referred to Axes: AXIS 1 AXIS 2 AXIS 3 AXIS 4 Improving the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry by supporting restructuring, development and innovation Improving the environment and countryside by supporting land management Improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity Implementation of the LEADER approach - building local capacity for employment and diversification Budget: circa 50m Beneficiaries: farmers, farm families, agri-food &forestry enterprises Delivery: DARD and Countryside Agri Rural Partnership Budget: circa 350m Beneficiaries: farmers, farm families, forestry Delivery: DARD Budget: circa 100m Beneficiaries: All rural dwellers Delivery: All measures delivered at a local level by Local Action Groups Delivery mechanism for the implementation of Axis 3 APPLYING TO THE PROGRAMME All applicants to the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme must have a DARD Business ID Number. This is to ensure that DARD maintains a record of the identity of anyone who submits an application to receive EU funding. To receive funding through the programme you must hold either a Category 1 or Category 2 Business ID No: Category Category 1 Business ID (used to claim Single Farm Payment) What can I apply to To apply for and claim grant in farming related programmes within the NIRDP such as Farm Family Options, Focus Farms and Farm Modernisation, you must have a Category 1 Business ID No. Category 2 Business ID To claim grant within Axis 3 grant schemes you must hold a DARD Category 2 Business ID No. [Note: If you already hold a Category 1 Business ID Number you can use that - you do not need to apply for a separate Category 2 ID No.]. You do not need to have a Category 2 Business ID No before you apply for funding. If your application is successful you will need to complete an application and this form will be issued to you when your NIRDP application has been approved. 5

6 AXIS 1 OF THE NI RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (NIRDP) Background The objective of axis 1 is to increase the competiveness of the local agri-food industry. Axis 1 has an allocated total budget of approximately 50million. Under Axis 1 there are 4 measures: Vocational Training and Information Actions Adding Value to Agriculture and Forestry Products Improving Marketing Capability Modernisation of Agricultural Holdings Supply Chain Development Vocational Training and Information Actions Aim: To improve the competitiveness of farm and horticulture businesses in Northern Ireland through the provision of a range of innovative and focused training and information actions. There are four schemes within this measure: (i) A scheme to facilitate benchmarking of farm and horticultural businesses. (ii) A Focus Farms scheme to promote new technologies and to provide an opportunity for coaching and/or mentoring (iii) A Family Farm Options scheme that will help farm families to analyse their current business position and to consider the future (iv) A scheme to provide training that will promote supply chain partnerships Adding Value to Agriculture and Forestry Products Improving Marketing Capability Aim: To improve the economic performance and international competitiveness of the agrifood and forestry processing sectors. There are two schemes within this measure: (i) The Agricultural and Forestry Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme will provide support towards capital expenditure on buildings and new equipment, the cost of a business plan/feasibility study for the project, and directly related general costs (ii) The Agricultural and Forestry Marketing Development Grant Scheme will provide support for businesses engaged in the marketing of agricultural, horticultural and forestry produce. Modernisation of Agricultural Holdings Aim: To contribute to the competitiveness of agricultural and horticultural businesses in Northern Ireland. There are two schemes under this measure: (i) A farm modernisation scheme will be available to farmers who wish to improve their farm s competitiveness. For example, this could be through use of new technologies or improved energy efficiency. (ii) A short rotation coppice scheme will provide support for farms that wish to establish of short rotation coppice crops. Supply Chain Development Programme Aim: To increase the number of successful new collaborative initiatives in the agri-food and forestry sectors which lead to more effective and sustainable supply chains. This scheme is aimed at primary producers in the agri-food and forestry sectors co-operating with each other and with partners further along their respective supply chains, for example processors, retailers and other end users. 6

7 AXIS 1 DELIVERY Some of the measures are delivered centrally by DARD whilst others are managed by a delivery agent Countryside Agri Rural Partnership (a consortium of Countryside Services, AI Services and the Rural Development Council) see for more information. EXAMPLES OF AXIS 1 MEASURES Some information on specific measures of interest to the Equine sector include: Farm Family Options Mentoring Farm Family Options is a programme of support designed to encourage farmers and farm family members to identify and consider opportunities for both their own future and that of the farm business. Business mentoring assists farmers and family members, with the support of an experienced agricultural business mentor, to consider their current position, address the main issues, opportunities, and concerns, and to develop a focused Action Plan for the future. The process helps farm businesses to look at available options and identify opportunities for the farmer, the farming family and the farm business. These might include: Farm business improvements Time and workload management Off-farm income Making the most of your skills and training for new skills Career change Succession and retirement Support offered includes: Free and confidential one-to-one support from a skilled mentor (experienced in agriculture) to help you to assess your options Help to develop an Action Plan, including 250 towards financial and legal advice For further information call or mentoring@countrysiderural.co.uk Farm Family Options Skills Training The Skills Training element of the programme provides opportunities for farm families to engage in training to develop new skills for on-farm and off-farm use. A range of courses are currently being progressed to meet farm family needs around the following themes:- ICT for the Farm Family Animal Welfare Health & Safety Opportunity exists for other themes to emerge/develop over the programme period to December Courses will be tailored to the farm family and in so far as possible delivered locally within easy access to farming families. This programme is currently accepting registration of interests in the above themes. For further information call or options@countysiderural.co.uk 7

8 EXAMPLES OF AXIS 1 MEASURES (CONT) Farm Modernisation Programme Farm Modernisation Programme (FMP) aims to contribute to the competitiveness of agricultural and horticultural farm businesses in Northern Ireland. This will be achieved by providing financial support to existing farm businesses to improve the overall performance of their farm through modernisation under six key priority investment areas: Introduction of new technologies and innovation; Improved animal health and welfare; Increased hygiene control and product storage; Enhanced occupational safety and business efficiency; Increased energy efficiency; and Enhanced environmental status. The enhancing the environmental status of farms priority investment area will receive additional assistance under a sub theme - the Manure Efficiency Technology Scheme (METS). Under this scheme 40% aid, capped at 10,000 per farm business, will be available on a limited list of slurry / manure handling equipment. Eligible applicants include agricultural and horticultural farm businesses that have the relevant DARD Business Identification number. Funding under the FMP will be delivered over a series of application periods or tranches. Two tranches have already opened and closed, a further tranche will be announced in due course For further information call or modernisation@countrysiderural.co.uk Focus Farms The objective of Focus Farms is to contribute to the creation of a more competitive agriculture industry through the provision of farmer-led training to farmers The 60 Focus Farms selected to participate in the Scheme are commercial farms that aim to demonstrate good farming practice; modern technology; innovative farm methods and on-farm research through farm walks, discussion and follow-up mentoring. Visiting groups of farmers can learn, share experience and solve common problems. The Focus Farms have been appointed throughout Northern Ireland, across a range of enterprises to include Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Pigs, Arable, Commercial Horticulture, Organic, Renewable Crops, and Diversification and Environmental sectors. Focus Farms are open to farmers, farm families or employees who hold a relevant DARD Business Identification number. Visitors should be age 18 plus, or 16 accompanied by a responsible adult. To arrange a Focus Farm visit contact the Focus Farm Centre at or focusfarms@countrysiderural.co.uk for a list of available Focus Farms and any further information. 8

9 AXES 3 & 4 OF THE NI RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Axis 3 measures of the NI RDP are delivered through an Axis 4 LEADER-type approach which means focusing on bottom-up development involving social partners, elected civic representatives and local councils. This public-private partnership is known as a Local Action Group (LAG). The LEADER approach ensures that all development actions and objectives taken forward in a local area have been approved at local level. Under Axis 3 & 4, measures are designed to: strengthen the social and economic infrastructure of rural areas; build on the successes of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme ; create employment opportunities and conditions for the creation and development of rural micro businesses, and optimise the use of Northern Ireland s natural, human and historic assets through sustainable economic and social development. The measures meet the Axes 3 & 4 objectives of improving the quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy through: Increasing economic activity and employment rates in the wider rural economy through encouraging on-farm diversification into non-agricultural activities and off-farm diversification; Supporting the creation and development of micro-enterprises in the broader rural economy; Encouraging rural tourism built on the sustainable development of Northern Ireland s natural resources, cultural and natural heritage; Improving the access by rural dwellers to basic services for the economy and rural population; Regenerating villages, other rural settlements and their surrounding areas by supporting the development of integrated action plans and integrated village initiatives to improve economic prospects, community relations and the quality of life, and Maintaining, restoring and upgrading the natural and built heritage The NIRDP meets these objectives by providing support under the following Measures: Measure Diversification into non-agricultural activities Measure Business creation and development Measure Encouragement of tourism activities Measure Basic services for the economy and rural population Measure Village renewal and development Measure Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage 9

10 AXIS 3/4 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Who Is Eligible To Apply? The Programme is open to applications from the following: Private sector Social Economy Enterprises Non Departmental Public Bodies Local Councils Community/voluntary groups NB - under Measure 3.2 [Business Creation & Development] applicants must have less than 10 employees (FTE Full Time Equivalents) and an annual turnover of less than 2 million euros. What Are The Programme Measures? The Rural Development Programme aims to improve the quality of life in rural areas by supporting a wide range of projects including: Measure 3.1: Diversification into Non-Agricultural Activities To assist farm households to diversify into non-agricultural activities on farm and, as a consequence, maintain or increase the income of the farm households and create employment opportunities. This includes those farmers who have previously diversified and wish to expand. Measure 3.2: Business Creation and Development To create employment opportunities through promoting entrepreneurship and developing the economic infrastructure in rural areas. Measure 3.3: Encouragement of Tourism Activities To maximise opportunities for tourism development, which make best use of our natural and cultural resources. Through the sustainable development of the rural economy, aim to attract visitors and create new employment opportunities by providing support to existing rural tourism enterprises and for individuals wishing to develop tourism activities. Measure 3.4: Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population To improve or maintain the living conditions and welfare of those living in rural areas, and to increase the attractiveness of such areas through the provision of more and better basic services, for the economy and the rural population. Measure 3.5: Village Renewal and Development To enable and encourage residents of villages and surrounding areas to create a vision and an integrated action plan to ensure the full potential of such areas is achieved; to support integrated village initiatives Measure 3.6: Conservation and Upgrading the Rural Heritage To create opportunities to preserve and upgrade Northern Ireland s rural heritage and to use the natural and built environment as the basis for sustainable economic growth in rural areas. 10

11 AXIS 3/4 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (CONT) What Geographic Areas Are Covered? For the purposes of the programme, settlements with a population of 4,500 or less are defined as rural. However, the NI RDP may also support projects which are located in an urban area, with populations greater than 4,500, depending on the nature of the project and where the majority of beneficiaries are from a rural area. You can check if an area is rural by logging onto and enter the postcode of the area you are checking. What Kind Of Support Is Available? Grant aid is available towards: Capital and resource costs Marketing support Bespoke training intrinsic to individual applications which is not on offer from any other provider Technical support to investigate project potential or consolidate a project/business. What Grant Rates Are Available? Grant rates and levels vary dependent on the type of activity. Capital and resource costs: Up to 50% grant rate is available for the private sector to a maximum of 50,000 Up to 75% grant rate is available for social economy enterprises, including Community /Voluntary Groups, non departmental public bodies and local councils, up to a maximum of 250,000. Marketing, bespoke training and technical support Up to 50% for the private sector and up to 75% for social economy enterprises, including Community /Voluntary Groups, non departmental public bodies and local councils. Maximum funding available is 5,000 in any one of the activities or as a composite of two or three. Exception: Under Measure 3.3, marketing will be available up to a max of 200,000 for strategic bodies and local councils. Full consultation with NITB must take place prior to approval. What about Match Funding? Match funding can be made up of private, public or contribution in kind: Private match funding can be cash, non EU sourced bank loans or Trust donations Public match funding must be non-eu sourced funding Contribution in kind this is only available to social economy enterprises and non departmental public body applications. It is limited to 20% of the total project and must be matched by 5% cash contribution. 11

12 AXIS 3/4 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (CONT) What are the Eligibility Requirements? The types of projects that can be funded will be dictated by the Local Action Group s Local Development Strategy. Each cluster will be required to deliver funding across all six previously mentioned measures. Types of projects which cannot be funded include: Agricultural products e.g. growing potatoes or breeding cows; Retail (except where integral part of production facility or farm shop); Mobile Infrastructure (except specialised infrastructure for specific project requirements); Any activity that could be funded by another statutory body; Running costs, for example, heat, light etc; and Projects which have already commenced Please Note: The above list is not exhaustive. How do I make an application for grant aid? Contact your Local Action Group (See Annex 1 - contact details) for further advice and guidance on your proposed project and how to submit an application. Staff will also advise on what supplementary information is required along with your application form as some LAGs require this information before an application will be deemed eligible. If you wish to submit an application you can do this by logging onto and highlighting the relevant cluster that your proposed project will be located within; or you can complete a hard copy application form available from your Local Action Group. The opening and closing dates for schemes/programmes supported under the Rural Development Programme are advertised and promoted widely. Current opening and closing dates for each of the Local Action Groups are highlighted in Annex 2. It is strongly recommended that you contact your relevant LAG for up-to-date information. What supporting documentation is required? Types of documentation that may be required include: Evidence of legal status Evidence of legal tenure Business Plan Evidence of any statutory approvals secured Copy of financial records Your Local Action Group will advise accordingly 12

13 AXIS 3/4 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (CONT) What are the application stages? A successful application will follow the stages below: 1. Application form submitted to Local Action Group by the applicant, including any necessary supporting documentation. 2. Acknowledgement form issued to applicant 3. The information submitted will undergo an eligibility check* 4. Additional information will be sought from applicant. This will include a site visit, completion of an economic appraisal and additional documentation by assessing staff. 5. Presentation of project to Local Action Group for their assessment and decision agreed. 6. Decision of Local Action Group presented to Joint Council Committee for ratification 7. Joint Council Committee issues outcome (Letter of Offer or rejection) to applicant. *Ineligibility can be identified at any stage of the assessment process. What are the evaluation criteria of projects? Projects will be judged against the following criteria: Degree to which need/demand is identified and addressed Environmental Sustainability Financial Planning Project Management Measurable objectives / targets and annual performance indicators Economic and Social Sustainability Degree of Innovation and Originality Equality and Equal Opportunities Considerations Do I get my grant upfront or upon project completion? The grant is usually paid out upon project completion and upon submission of a claim form/ supporting documentation to include: Original invoices Proof of payment Quotations In very exceptional circumstances, phased payments can be authorised to a project promoter. A phased payment cannot issue until the project has been 50% completed or a succinct recoverable item has been purchased. Normally no more than five phased payments are allowable for any project. If the entire project as assessed by the LAG is not completed full clawback of all payments will be required. No project advances are payable except to Social Economy Enterprises at a maximum of 20% of total grant award. 13

14 AXIS 3/4 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (CONT) Examples of projects for the Equine Sector? Infrastructure, where such infrastructure is in furtherance of the objectives of the Programme measures and where such infrastructure is not intended for sole private use i.e. must be for farm business diversification; business creation or development; social economy or wider community benefit:- Equestrian Centre/ Riding school/livery yard capital projects Arenas Horse walkers Equine swimming pools Stabling in furtherance of tourism and or for hire Spectator viewing & seating facilities Toilet facilities Online booking technologies Accommodation Facilities Bridle paths Cross Country Courses Facilities to improve access for Riding for the Disabled and Para Equestrian activities Other measures/activities that promote rural tourism This list is not exhaustive. Please discuss the eligibility of your proposed project with your Local Action Group. DRUMAKNOCKAN HOUSE Applicant: William Greene Location: Hillsborough, Co. Down Measure: 3.1 Diversification into Non Agricultural Activities Local Action Group Area: Lagan Rural Partnership William Greene resides with his parents on the family farm in Drumaknockan House. William assists in running the traditional mixed farm business but hopes to use his equine experience and qualifications to fulfil his ambition of building a high quality equestrian centre adjacent to the farm. Through Lagan Rural Partnership William received funding to construct a Livery facility which in time will be complemented by the construction of an off road trekking facility and ménage. Commenting on the project Cllr Ann Marie Beattie, Chairman of the Local Action Group Joint Council Committee said, It is very positive to see the Rural Development Programme progressing with money going out to projects and making a real difference to the rural area. With the regular inflow of applications being processed and Letters of Offer issued to a wide variety of projects, the potential of the NIRDP for the rural economy and rural dwellers is becoming very clear. 14

15 CASTLE WARD TRAILS Applicant: Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) Location: Castle Ward, Strangford, Co. Down Measure: 3.3 Encouragement of Tourism Activities Local Action Group Area: Down Rural Area Partnership A new network of off-road trails through one of Northern Ireland s most scenic landscapes was officially opened in June 2011 with assistance from the NIRDP. Set in picturesque parkland, forest and farmland on the shores of Strangford Lough, the Castle Ward Demesne has been attracting visitors for many years. The estate boasts an 18th Century mansion house, exotic gardens, stunning mixed woodland, children s adventure play area and access to Strangford Lough. Project promoters CAAN, eager to capitalise on the natural beauty of the demesne to boost local use and tourism potential, also received funding from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Down District Council. Now almost 21 miles of trails leading through the picturesque area, incorporating Northern Ireland s first long-distance, cross-country mountain biking trail as well as sustainable tracks for horse riders, walkers and runners alike, With a real mix of rural farmland and forests set with the stunning backdrop of Strangford Lough, Castle Ward is unquestionably rich in natural beauty. These trails have been designed to allow visitors to enjoy the demesne s highlights as well as visiting areas where there was previously no or limited access. Dafydd Davis MBE Trail Designer. What is the Rural Network for Northern Ireland? The Rural Network for NI is 1 of 4 regional rural networks established in the UK and 1 of 94 networks across Europe. The Rural Network for NI is designed to help and support the implementation and delivery of the Programme across all axes by sharing good practice, supporting Local Action Groups to develop co-operation projects and working with the Local Action Groups to identify their learning needs and delivering appropriate training. The Network also provides networking events and a comprehensive website which is updated daily The website also contains a directory of projects funded by the NI RDP and links to UK and EU databases containing project examples from across the regions. 15

16 ANNEX 1 LOCAL ACTION GROUP MAP AND CONTACTS DISTRICT COUNCILS CLUSTER ADDRESS TELEPHONE, & WEB L/Derry, Limavady, Omagh, Strabane ARC NORTH WEST Temporarily moved to: Omagh District Council Offices The Grange, Mountjoy Road Omagh, BT79 7BL arcnorthwest@omagh.gov.uk Ards, Banbridge, Down and North Down DOWN RURAL AREA PARTNERSHIP Ards Business Centre Sketrick House, Jubilee Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT23 4YH info@downruralareapartnership.com Antrim, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey GROW SOUTH ANTRIM Antrim Borough Council, Civic Centre, 50 Stiles Way, Antrim, BT43 6EQ info@growsouthantrim.com Belfast, Castlereagh, Lisburn LAGAN RURAL PARTNERSHIP Lisburn City Council Civic Centre, The Island Lisburn, BT27 4RL info@laganruralpartnership.com Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Larne, Moyle NORTH EAST REGION Ballymena Borough Council, ECOS Centre, Kernohans Lane Broughshane Road Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT43 7QA northeast.rdp@ballymena.gov.uk Cookstown, Dungannon, Fermanagh, Magherafelt SOUTH WEST ACTION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SWARD) Gortalowry House, Church St, Cookstown Co Tyrone, BT80 0HX sward@cookstown.gov.uk Armagh, Craigavon, Newry & Mourne SOUTHERN ORGANISATIONS FOR ACTION IN RURAL AREAS (SOAR) Craigavon Borough Council Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon, BT64 1AL craigavon@soarni.org 16

17 ANNEX 2 AXIS 3 CURRENT OPENING/CLOSING DATES (AS OF MAY 2012) CLUSTER ARC NORTH WEST CURRENT SITUATION No measures open at present. Potential to reopen measures 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 in May/June DOWN RURAL AREA PARTNERSHIP Measures 3.3 & 3.4 to open in May Measure 3.5 to open in June GROW SOUTH ANTRIM LAGAN RURAL PARTNERSHIP No measures open at present. Potential to reopen some measures May/June Not open at present - No further dates in the pipeline. NORTH EAST REGION Not open at present. Measure 3.1/3.2 to open 14th May-22nd June. SOAR M3.1 Currently open, closing at 4pm on Friday 11th May 2012 SWARD Measure 3.1, Farm Diversification, open from 26 March 2012 to 12 noon 11 May 2012 for Standalone Renewable Energy Applications Only 17

18 GLOSSARY OF TERMS: ASSESSMENT Some terms which you may come across in the assessment of an application include: STATE AID Financial aid to any economic project that has the potential to distort competition and affect trade between EU member states. Such aid is generally prohibited under EU legislation. DE MIMINUS Small levels of aid which is deemed to have a negligible impact on trade and competition. The European Commission considers that public funding to a single project of up to 200,000 has a negligible impact and is therefore permissible under EU regulations. DEVELOPMENT PATH ANALYSIS A system for assessing and monitoring the environmental impact of structural funds programmes. The technique recognises 6 development paths. ECONOMIC APPRAISAL An umbrella term for appraisal which takes into account all economic costs and benefits. It includes cost benefit analysis and cost effectiveness analysis. ADDITIONALITY Project cannot take place without funding. The project secures only the amount of funding required that is needed. BASE CASE The best estimate of how much a proposal will cost in economic terms. DEADWEIGHT Expenditure to promote a desired activity which would, in fact, have occurred without the expenditure (project would happen anyway). DEPRECIATION and RESIDUAL VALUE Depreciation is the term used to refer to the difference between the value of an asset in one year and its lower value a number of years later. Residual value refers to its value in the latter year. DISPLACEMENT The degree to which an activity promoted by government policy is offset by reductions in activity elsewhere. MATCH FUNDING Other project funding sourced outside of the Rural Development Programme, either from private or public sources or contributions in kind. QUORUM Minimum number of voting members required to validate decisions taken. NON PROMOTER FUNDING Non private sector funding including EU, Central /Local Government, Lottery and IFI. 18