"Unprecedented interest" for first TAMS 3 tranche

Approvals will issue by scheme, starting with the Solar Capital Investment Scheme.

All eligible applications for the first round of TAMS 3 will be approved, the Department has confirmed, as it receives the largest-ever number of applications for a single TAMS tranche.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said a total of 8,241 applications were submitted under the latest tranche of the new Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3), adding that it was a reflection of the "huge amount of interest shown among farmers".

"This is the largest number of applications ever received by my Department for a TAMS tranche - approximately four times the average number of applications received per tranche in TAMS 2," he said.

"I can also confirm that 100% of eligible applications will be approved for funding, in keeping with my commitment to assist farmers to address our climate and sustainability targets.”

More than half of all investments under tranche 1 were for mobile equipment only.

The minister added that those who have applied for mobile equipment may purchase the equipment now, at their own risk, subject to verification of eligibility in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the relevant schemes.

Applicants for fixed investments must wait for written approval from the DAFM before commencing works. Otherwise, a 100% penalty will be applied.

Farmers who require the construction of slurry and manure storage facilities or urgent animal welfare-related investments may also apply to the Department for priority approval by September 15, 2023. 

Farmers applying for priority approval must set out clear reasons for seeking priority, with a focus on the urgency of the works in the context of the protection of water quality and animal welfare. They must also commence work within two months of receiving the priority approval; otherwise, the priority approval will automatically lapse.

Applications are currently undergoing eligibility checks centrally, with a thorough processing check at local office level. Approvals will issue by scheme, starting with the Solar Capital Investment Scheme.