Farmers can now apply for new grants under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) for backup PTO generators, fencing, wood/biomass chippers, and mulchers. However, the application period will be limited to three weeks, with a deadline of March 28.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, made the announcement today, noting that the new tranche of supports opens on March 10, following severe damage caused by Storm Éowyn.
The minister explained that the recent power outages prompted a review of the TAMS scheme, expanding the eligible generators to include all types, regardless of the drive mechanism. “The grant will now focus on the generator itself, not the drive mechanism,” said Minister Heydon.
While backup generators were already covered under the Dairy Equipment Scheme, this new funding is open to all farmers who meet the eligibility requirement of five hectares under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) Scheme, either in the current year or the preceding year. Importantly, farmers do not need to be involved in dairy farming to apply for backup generators.
With ongoing storm clean-up efforts, the demand for wood chippers and mulchers has increased. Farmers can now purchase these mobile pieces of equipment at their own risk, as long as they have submitted an online application. The application will go through the usual approval process after submission.
Minister Heydon also acknowledged the widespread damage to farm buildings, urging farmers to explore available supports under TAMS. For some farms, it may be more cost-effective to replace entire buildings. Farmers in this situation can apply for funding to construct new structures under TAMS.
Looking ahead, the minister revealed plans to introduce support for roof replacements later this year as part of efforts to make farms more resilient to future weather events. He recommended that farmers assess the structural condition of their buildings now, in preparation for these upcoming opportunities.
Applications for farm buildings are still being processed through the current tranche, which ends this Friday, March 7, and in future tranches, as they require planning approval. However, the new tranche of applications will be prioritized.
The regular TAMS tranche will open on March 29 and close on June 6, 2025, as previously announced.
In other news, Minister Heydon confirmed that 100% of eligible applications submitted in tranche five of TAMS 3 would be approved.
TAMS Support Details
Backup Generators: Available under the Dairy Equipment Scheme (DES), Organic Capital Investment Scheme (OCIS), Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS), and Women Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS).
Fencing: Available for sheep, cattle, and equine fencing under the Animal Welfare Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSS), Organic Capital Investment Scheme (OCIS), Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS), and Women Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS).
Wood/Biomass Chippers & Mulchers: PTO-driven wood chippers are covered under the Biomass equipment section in AWNSS, OCIS, YFCIS, and WFCIS. Mulchers are available under Pasture Management in the same schemes.
Farmers are encouraged to apply for these supports before the deadline to ensure they receive the assistance they need.
