Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has confirmed that ranking and selection will be applied to applications received under tranche nine of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3).

Ranking and selection will be carried out on a differentiated basis across the various sub-schemes within TAMS, with priority given to applications under farm safety and nutrient storage schemes.

“As I have previously indicated, TAMS 3 is operating within a very clearly defined financial profile over the course of the CAP Strategic Plan, and there is a limit to the amount of funding available,” the Minister said.

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“A total of 6,122 applications were submitted in tranche nine, which closed for applications on 5 September. This represents a further increase on the already record high average number of applications received over the first eight tranches, and brings the total number of applications received under TAMS 3 to date to 51,396.

"Accordingly, it is prudent now to introduce an element of ranking and selection to the approval process.”

Payments of over €115m have issued to farmers under the scheme since payments commenced in June of last year.

"Over the first eight tranches, more than 45,000 applications were received, which is nearly three times the number received over the corresponding eight tranches in TAMS 2. All eligible applications received across those eight tranches have been approved, with the result that more than 39,000 approvals have issued to farmers to date," he said.

Core farm investments

The number of applications and the level of funding provided to date under certain schemes, such as the Solar Capital Investment Scheme and the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme (LESS), have exceeded the Department's expectations, the Minister said.

He outlined that more than 40% of the TAMS budget is being spent on these two measures.

"On that basis, I have decided to focus on approvals for core on-farm investments at this time. I am acutely aware of the importance of measures to support on-farm safety, so I have decided to approve all eligible applications submitted under this measure.

"Similarly, I want to acknowledge the importance of continued investment in nutrient storage, attracting 60% grant aid support, which I introduced earlier this year. A total of 80% of eligible applications containing these investments will be approved in this tranche.”

Closing dates

The Minister added that the current tranche 10 of TAMS 3 will close for applications on 5 December 2025, with upcoming 2026 tranches closing on 6 March 2026, 5 June 2026, 4 September 2026 and 4 December 2026.