Coveney launches farm schemes
One relates to animal welfare, safety and nutrient storage and the other covers low emission slurry spreading.
They are the third and fourth of the new Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) launched under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney announced the opening of the schemes, which are co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
He said the schemes will encourage the development of agriculture by providing a range of new investment opportunities to farmers. The schemes will benefit the construction of new animal housing, the provision of nutrient storage facilities and safety elements.
They will also support a more environmentally-friendly approach to the spreading of slurry, with knock-on benefits for Ireland’s ammonia and climate targets. The farm safety element will give all farmers an opportunity to assess what can be done on their farms to improve safety and save lives.
Minister Coveney said the total allocation for the various on-farm investment schemes planned under TAMS II is €395 million over the course of the programme. Two remaining TAMS schemes, which are the Organic Capital Investment Scheme and the Pigs and Poultry Specialised Investment Scheme, will be rolled out over the coming weeks.
Irish Farmers Association president Eddie Downey welcomed the announcement and said all remaining schemes should be open by the end of the month. These are vital for the long-term future of agriculture, while boosting economic activity in the rural economy, he said.
However, Mr Downey said it is vital that administrative delays evident under TAMS I are not repeated, as many farmers struggle to complete works by the end of August deadline. IFA Rural Development Chairman, Flor McCarthy welcomed the inclusion of additional items for grant aid including silage slabs, silage walls, and litter storage on tillage farms. He called on the Minister to add additional items such as sheep fencing, underpasses, grain storage and other items as necessary over the coming months. Mr McCarthy also reminded the Minister of the recent Charter of Rights commitments for speedier processing of approvals and payments.
