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More than double the funding was on offer in the second round of the Slurry Infrastructure Grant. But with dwindling confidence in the dairy sector farmers are cautious about where, when and what to invest in, questioning whether now is the right time to apply

When it comes to the application process, the delivery and the options available to all farmers, there are some inconsistencies, which the industry hopes will be ironed out in the next SFI announcement

The selected projects will now begin their two-year development phase to finalise arrangements

When it comes to SFI uptake, about 6,600 applications have been started but not yet submitted and only 800 agreements are live with farmers delivering on required outcomes

New grant aims to help farmers reduce pollution and make better use of nutrients

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Industry leaders say soaring imports underminining UK farmers and producers

Round two of the fund is expected to close at midnight on September 21. Given the extensive preparation time many farmers and landowners who expressed an initial interest in applying are a long way down the line by now

Defra was probed on a specific date in autumn in which the online checker would open, but failed to give one. They said they were preparing to launch round two of the scheme and guidance would be issued soon

NFU advises farmers to refer back to the current guidance of the scheme before completing the online checker, to ensure their proposal has the best possible chance of being approved