Government seeks EU extension over TAMS for sow welfare

The Government has asked the EU Commission to extend the end of December, 2012 deadline for completion of work in the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) for Sow Welfare.

But such an extension would have no effect on the entry into force of the new EU animal welfare rules for sow housing on Jan 1, 2013, said Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney. “It would simply enable those farmers who completed the investment works after that date to continue to receive grant-aid under the scheme.”

He said Teagasc have estimated that about 36% of pig units, housing 44% of the sow population, are presently compliant with the new welfare provisions for housing of sows.