Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
494. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to including combine harvesters in the eligible equipment list for the tillage capital investment scheme under TAMS II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30580/23]
View answerThe TAMS II scheme closed in December 2022. The TAMS 3 scheme opened on the 22nd February 2023 and provides funding for capital investments on farms and will be in place for 5 years with a budget of €370m.
There is currently a wide range of machinery for tillage farmers in the TAMS 3 suite of schemes, including cultivation equipment, seed drills, GPS controlled fertiliser spreaders and GPS controlled sprayers in addition to crop storage and handling facilities.
Ireland’s SWOT Analysis and Needs Assessment for the current CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) identified the need to increase environmental efficiency in the agricultural sector through on farm investment and the adoption of new technologies; the need to support young farmers in accessing finance so they are in a better position to invest in and develop their farm enterprise; and the need to improve animal health and welfare, and farm safety on farms. Additionally, it is a requirement that all eligible investments are directly linked to climate and environment/animal related indicators with a clear and direct benefit for the environment and climate or animal welfare. Further, it is a requirement that funded investments go beyond normal practices and mandatory requirements. The inclusion of combine harvesters in the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme was not seen as meeting the scheme objectives.
