Agricultural Development Scheme

The Agricultural Development Scheme (formerly the Countryside Care Scheme) forms one of the components of the Policy for Manx Agriculture which was approved by Tynwald in April 2008. The Scheme was approved by Tynwald in December 2008 and implemented from 1 April 2009.

Details of the full Scheme plus its associated government circulars can be found by clicking on Legislative Background on this site.

Eligibility Criteria for 2016 onwards

• from 1 April 2016, an applicant must be an active farmer;
  
• an applicant must have at their disposal, on 4 May in each Scheme year, the eligible land which is subject to the claim;
• all land in the Isle of Man at the applicant’s disposal on the 4 May in each Scheme year must be declared by means of a valid application; regardless of the eligibility of such land;
• an applicant under the Scheme must make a valid application to the Scheme in such form and timescale as the Department may require;
• the land must consist of at least the minimum area of 12.5 eligible acres; and
• the Department is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the land which is the subject of the claim is not materially altered from that indicated in the aerial survey.

The ‘flat rate’ payment rate has now been defined which has allowed the creation of a budget which will facilitate the implementation of the Food Strategy. 

The Scheme will also introduce a system which redistributes payments (“front-loading”) providing enhanced payments for smaller or more intensive farms. 

Young Farmers will also receive a Supplementary Payment of up to an additional 25% (up to a maximum of £4,000) for a maximum period of 5 consecutive years. 

2018 Registration 

If you wish to register for 2018, please complete the Agriculture Business Registration Form and return it to DEFA, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St Johns by Friday 30 March 2018.

Contacts for further information about the Agricultural Development Scheme: