Macra calls for increased TAMS to deliver water quality improvements

Macra has said if the Government wants to take water quality seriously it must not make measures a burden but rather support farmers in improving infrastructure development

Macra has called for more supports for water quality measures in TAMS.

Farmers need stronger financial support through TAMS to drive meaningful water quality progress, according to Macra na Feirme.

Responding to the recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water Quality Report, Macra na Feirme expressed disappointment the significant efforts and investments made by farmers in recent years were not yet more clearly reflected in water quality results.

Macra said improving water quality should remain a top priority. Still, meaningful progress could only be achieved through practical, evidence-based measures that support farmers rather than place additional burdens on them.

The organisation noted young farmers were committed to adopting sustainable farming practices and had demonstrated a willingness to embrace change when supported by advice, clear scientific evidence, and appropriate funding.

Macra national president Josephine O'Neill said: “Our young farmers have a keen understanding of the significant role we play in protecting water quality. In recent years, we have committed to improving water quality by investing in new infrastructure and adapting sustainable farming practices. 

We fully realise the role we play as on-the-ground environmentalists — we understand the importance of water quality and are committed to continuing to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to improve and protect water quality.

Macra said if the Government was serious about improving water quality outcomes, it must ensure farmers have access to the infrastructure and technology needed to deliver those improvements.

The organisation called for increased investment in TAMS, particularly for nutrient storage, slurry management and water protection measures. The organisation noted many farmers were willing to make further environmental improvements, but the cost of additional storage capacity and infrastructure could be prohibitive without adequate support.

The group also reiterated its call for TAMS reference costs to be reviewed and updated to reflect current construction and material costs, ensuring grant aid remains meaningful and accessible. Investing in farm infrastructure, Macra said, was one of the most effective ways to achieve long-term improvements in water quality, while maintaining the viability of family farms.

Macra also called for long-term funding commitments for successful water-quality initiatives such as the Farming for Water EIP, noting schemes that support farmers in delivering practical environmental improvements must be adequately resourced and maintained over the long term to achieve lasting results. 

The organisation said certainty around funding was essential to encourage participation and allow farmers to plan and invest with confidence.

Macra said while policy measures should be informed by science, their successful implementation would depend on clear communication, appropriate advisory supports, and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing farmers on the ground. Targeted, evidence-based measures, supported by adequate resources, would be key to achieving long-term water quality objectives.

The organisation said the next phase of water policy must be shaped through meaningful engagement with those working on the ground every day, recognising the practical realities of farming while identifying solutions that deliver measurable environmental improvements.

Macra noted targeted, evidence-based measures developed in partnership with farmers would be far more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches in achieving long-term water-quality objectives.