The hugely popular TAMS II scheme, which provides grants for on-farm capital investment, is to continue into 2021 following the confirmation that there will be a tranche 21.

The tranche will open on 16 January, immediately after the current tranche closes, and will close on 16 April, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has confirmed.

The Minister commented: “I am delighted to announce the continuation of TAMS beyond the current tranche.

“This is part of our transitional measures to provide supports to farmers across our RDP schemes this year and I am delighted to have been able to secure funding for this crucial scheme.”

New items

A number of amendments to the scheme have been made for the new tranche:

  • The addition of investments for calf welfare. This means the investments previously available under the Calf Investment Scheme will now be included under TAMS.
  • GPS spreaders to be now available for all farmers. Previously these were only available to tillage applicants under the scheme.
  • In line with the rules for derogation farmers introduced last year, this cohort of farmers are no longer eligible to apply for support for low-emission slurry spreading equipment.

    • Extensions

    A number of flexibilities have also been introduced in response to COVID-19 issues:

  • All TAMS projects due for completion (or approvals due to expire) between 1 January and 1 April 2021 may be extended by three months.
  • The date for the submission of TAMS payment claims due before 1 April 2021 may also be extended by three months.

    • Minister McConalogue said: “It is essential that farming continues at this time while being mindful of the public health measures.

    “I have introduced some flexibilities to the scheme arrangements to reflect the fact that certain practices are not possible at this time and alternative arrangements are required.”

    Farmers who wish to avail of these extensions may contact their local office from which their approval issued.

    To date, almost €265m has been issued to farmers under TAMS.

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