Agricultural help denied to non farmers

Just under six per cent of people applying for government help under an agricultural scheme were turned down because they're not farmers.

The figures were revealed by the Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister this week in answer to a question for written reply in the House of Keys.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper asked for details about the Agricultural Development Scheme and how many applications had been granted or refused.

Geoffrey Boot said of 413 applications only 27 had been turned down because they weren't active farmers.