Farm payments glossary: TAMS II 20 October 2015 Free

What is it?

TAMS II is part of the €4bn Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 and provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holding. A total of €395m has been made available for TAMS II schemes over the course of the RDP period. There are six different schemes under TAMS II: the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS); the Dairy Equipment Scheme (DES); the Organic Capital Investment Scheme (OCIS); the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment Scheme (LESS); the Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme (PPIS); and the Animal Welfare Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSS).

When was it launched and what is the closing date?

The first of the TAMS II schemes, the YFCIS, opened for applications on 8 June 2015. This was followed on a gradual basis by the opening of the rest of the schemes, finishing with the launch of the PPIS on 13 August. There is a three-month period from the opening date of each scheme during which farmers can apply.

What scheme has it replaced?

TAMS II replaced TAMS I, which opened in 2007.

When will farmers know if they have been accepted into the scheme and how much payment can successful applicants expect?

All applications are assessed and ranked in each tranche to keep the expenditure within RDP budget. Those applications ranked highest are sent for potential approval for the relevant scheme. Payment will issue within three weeks of approval for payment when it has been determined the work has been completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the scheme.

In the case of the YFCIS, a successful individual applicant or company can expect a maximum grant amount of 60% on costs up to the ceiling of €80,000.

In the case of the DES, AWNSS, OCI and PPIS, for a successful individual applicant or company there is a maximum grant amount of 40% on costs up to the ceiling of €80,000.

And in the case of the LESS, a successful individual applicant or company can expect a maximum grant amount of 40% on costs up to the ceiling of €40,000.

Is there another chance to apply to the scheme?

Yes. Although the application periods for most of the schemes are either already closed or due to close soon, there will be further chances to apply to the six schemes in a series of tranches up until 31 December 2020.