CONFIRMATION this week that the Department of Agriculture has opened the latest €370 million Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme [TAMS] to the equine sector has been widely welcomed.

TAMS provide grants of between 40% and 60% to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holding. This is the first time that the equine sector has been included in the scheme.

The ceiling for investment will be €90,000 per holding for the duration of the scheme.

Minister of State Martin Heydon said: “For the first time under TAMS, equine breeders will have the opportunity to invest in important infrastructure for their farms including housing, training facilities, and fencing. This will help make the breeding and handling of horses safer for farmers and the animals. It will be a real gamechanger for small breeders who are at the heart of the sector.”

Horse owners can apply for TAMS funding under the Animal Welfare tranche which is due to open for applications in mid-March.

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