Option 4 - Modernisation through electronic data management for Agriculture
What this is about
This option is being introduced to help land managers to increase their use of new technologies by supporting the initial set up costs which are often a barrier to uptake.
What this will achieve
This option will improve the competitiveness of agricultural holdings through the use of new technology, including electronic hardware and software. It should improve business efficiency and the overall economic performance of agricultural businesses.
What you must do
Support is available for the purchase of electronic equipment for two different options
Option (a) - Electronic recording equipment for livestock production
- electronic ear tag readers from which information can be gathered and downloaded for management purposes.
- electronic weigh cells and electronic recording equipment from which information can be gathered and downloaded for management purposes.
- compatible software which can utilise the downloaded data from the purchased electronic ear tag readers, electronic weigh cells and electronic recording equipment or from any other source.
Option (b) - Precision farming equipment
- precision farming equipment (e.g. GPS site mapping equipment) from which information can be gathered and downloaded for management purposes.
- precision farming equipment which controls inputs (e.g. fertilisers) based on site specific data from GPS site mapping equipment or equivalent.
- compatible software which can utilise the downloaded data from eligible precision farming equipment.
- GPS site mapping equipment
The data gathered from the electronic equipment purchased must be able to be downloaded onto a computer with compatibile software.
Computer software purchased under either Option (a) or (b) above must be compatible with and able to use the downloaded data from the eligible electronic equipment to, for example, make recommendations on pesticide and fertilister application rates.
Who can apply
All agricultural businesses.
How to apply
Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form using one of the following codes. The code required for option (a) is LMOELP and for option (b) enter LMOEPF. The amount applied for should be an estimate of 40% of the cost but the claim will be limited to the amount on the application.
Eligibility criteria
The purchased items must be:
- new (second hand equipment or software is not eligible)
- paid for within the scheme year
- maintained in working condition and retained for 5 years from date of purchase
- must be in your full ownership or if purchased in collaboration, the full ownership of your neighbours and yourself.
What costs could be supported
We will provide support for the purchase of the equipment listed above.
The purchase of personal computers, laptops, electronic ear tags or steering systems are not eligible for support under this option..
Rate of support
We will pay for 40% of the actual cost for each of the options (a) and (b) up to a maximum of £1000.
We will also support individuals for up to 40% of their share of the actual cost of equipment and software for each option, up to £1000, where the eligible purchase has been made in collaboration with one or more individual businesses.
Assistance under each of the options can only be claimed once in any 5 years.
The collaborative element is not separate from the rest of the option, e.g. If a land manager purchases weigh cells on his own and an electronic ear tag reader with his neighbour he can claim for both items at the same time as long as the claimed amount does not exceed £1000. He has to provide evidence each purchased item is eligible.
Inspection/Verification
The items purchased must be retained in working order for 5 years unless you can provide evidence that:
i. force majeure applies; or
ii. the items have been replaced with an eligible item of equivalent or higher specification which is in working order.
You must obtain and retain receipted invoices showing the supplier, description of the item, the cost of the item and payment for the item. If all or some of the equipment has been purchased in collaboration with other individuals and businesses, you must provide evidence of the supplier, a description of the item, the cost of the item and payment of your share of the cost.
The equipment must be available for inspection even if it has been purchased in collaboration with other individuals or businesses. Where applicants have purchased equipment together we will only be inspecting the selected individual's documentation and the equipment.
Evidence
We will send you a claim form which you must submit along with the supporting documentation by 31 August in the year following application. A detailed invoice for your purchase (or your share of the purchase) must be submitted in support of your claim for payment.