Kieran Coughlan: TAMS 2 start allows tillage farmers gear up

Last week’s announcement by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed of the extension of the TAMS 2 scheme will come as a welcome boost to tillage farmers.

The total budget for the scheme is fairly modest at 26m. In the context of the relatively high machinery investment requirements of tillage farmers, there is a strong possibility that the scheme will be fully subscribed prior to the envisaged end date of December 31, 2020.

Similar to other schemes, the justification of grant aiding tillage farmers has been approved at EU level on the basis that the investments will benefit the environment, increase efficiency and ultimately lead to growth.