SOME 378 equine farmers have had applications approved under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS III) since equine was introduced under the Animal Welfare and Nutrient Storage Scheme in 2023, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirmed to Irish Horse World.
The DAFM also provided an update on the latest tranches - six (35 applications), seven (21) and eight (56) - which totalled 112 applications. The overall number of successful applications (taken as those paid) is 70, which amounts to 62.5%.
Tranche seven was the emergency tranche opened following Storm Éowyn for a three-week period to assist farmers in repairing damaged fencing and being better prepared for any future storm disruption to their farms.
Asked what the most common mistake equine farmers make when applying for TAMS, a DAFM spokesperson said: “The most common mistake relating to equine investment is that the applicant does not have three equines on the holding, which is a requirement under the terms and conditions of the scheme.”
Other general mistakes made by farmers, according to the DAFM, is not having planning in place at the time of application; an investment less than €2,000; and if the applicant has less that five hectares declared on their (BISS) Basic Income Support for Sustainability application.
Grant aid of 40% is available with an additional top-up of 20% for qualified young farmers and women farmers who meet the eligibility criteria. Investments specifically targeted at the equine sector include elements such as equine housing, training facilities and fencing.
The Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, has announced that applications submitted under tranche nine, across all schemes, will be subject to ranking and selection with the practice of approving all eligible applications ceasing at tranche eight. The current tranche (10), will close for applications on December 5th. Applications submitted under tranche 10 will be subject to revised reference costs.
TAMS III - Equine applications received
Tranche 6 - 35
Tranche 7 - 21
Tranche 8 - 56
Total 112