Speaking after a No Day Named Motion (NDNM) in the Assembly calling for her to bring forward fair and practical criteria for the implementation of the FMP, the Minister said she was disappointed that some opposition remains from various parties in the Assembly against her attempts to help modernise the farming industry.
"Tranche 2 of the Farm Modernisation Programme provides a very real opportunity to help us achieve this objective," she added.
However, representatives from the UFU expressed disappointment that the DARD minister has given no commitment to re-look at the delivery proposals for Tranche 2 of the Farm Modernisation Scheme.
The UFU believe that DARD failed to consult properly, resulting in a plan which will significantly disadvantage a large proportion of potential applicants to the scheme.
Speaking after Monday's debate, UFU President Graham Furey said: "It was obvious that very many MLA's shared the Union's concerns that the current DARD proposals for delivery of Tranche 2 of the Farm Modernisation Scheme were neither fair nor practical. While the Minister supported the amendment to re-open discussions with the Union and other stakeholders, this was only on the 'modernising' categorisation of eligible equipment. There was no commitment to re-examine either the scoring mechanism or the number of criteria which, in our view, are essential pre-requisites to deliver equity of opportunity for farmers to access the funding. Unfortunately, the Minister now seems determined to force through and implement a flawed scoring mechanism which will effectively rule out lowland producers. The UFU is considering its options and will continue to press for the best possible delivery outcome," he added.
Mr Furey went on to say that he was pleased that the Minister had committed to re-opening the Manure Efficiency Technology Scheme (METS) and urged DARD to ensure this happened as soon as possible.
"It is important to ensure that equipment can be available for use during the 2010 growing season and certainly before the closed period for slurry spreading begins," he added.
Speaking after the debate, Ms Gildernew said it was her 'firm belief' that the proposed criteria, which she announced on 23 February, is the best way to take Tranche 2 of the FMP forward.
"I have taken the opportunity today to re-iterate my rationale for my criteria and explain any concerns which my MLA colleagues raised during the debate," she added.
Turning to the criteria, the Minister stated: "As I have said before, it is my intention to target disadvantage by bringing forward a Programme which focuses on those farmers suffering hardship within the LFA areas. My decision on the criteria for Tranche 2 of the FMP represents a good deal for young farmers and a good opportunity for promoting e-technology. It also offers a fair and practical way of assisting those farmers most affected by challenging agricultural circumstances."
The Minister added: "Over 70% of all agricultural land in the north of Ireland is within the LFA areas. These farm businesses need practical help, which this scheme can provide, by offering grant aid for a wide range of useful items of kit and equipment.
"Eligible items, which will be banded according to their degree of modernisation will not be decided upon solely by my officials, but will be subject to consultation with Industry representatives. A meeting to discuss the banding of the items, has been convened for that purpose, and will take place within the next two weeks."
In conclusion she said: "I am determined to open this Programme in the late spring and to make sure that farmers can apply to it without undue fuss, and without the need to queue.
"The key factor here is to get tranche two open for business, so that these badly needed FMP funds can begin to make a real impact to farmers' businesses on the ground and to the rural economy. I wish to thank my Assembly colleagues for their contribution to today's debate on the FMP issue and ask for their support in the months ahead. I also hope that Industry representatives will support me on this, and will work with me to make the Programme a success."