Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
580. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 159 of 5 July 2023; if he has engaged with an organisation (details supplied) on the concerns it has raised about the TAMS woman farmer capital investment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35500/23]
View answerIn excess of 28 submissions from members of Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group were received during consultation and planning stage of the CSP.
Submissions from all interested parties were examined prior to devising a scheme to include a broad range of applicants and investments.
A meeting between my officials and members of the Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group was held on 17 May 2023.
Webinars relating to TAMS 3 have taken place, including one specifically for the Women Farmer's Capital Investment Scheme on 19 June 2023. My officials invited the Members of the Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group to make an address at this webinar and the members obliged.
All webinars are recorded and are available for viewing on my Department's website channel.
The Women Farmer's Capital Investment Scheme in TAMS 3 opened to applicants on 21 June 2023.
The new CAP places a particular focus on generational renewal and on promoting the participation of women in the social and economic development of rural areas, with special attention to farming. Gender equality is also a key objective of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and a priority for me as Minister.
TAMS 3 provides for a general grant rate of 40% for eligible investments. It is also offering an enhanced grant rate of 60% to eligible women farmers, who meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligible women farmers are those:
• Aged between 18 years of age and 66 when she applies for support.
• Meet the conditions for being head and having control of the holding.
• Meets the requirements for the appropriate training and/or skills required at the time of applications.
The women farming measure under TAMS 3 aims to balance the need to address the issues of both generational renewal and gender balance in farming, following consultation with all interested parties.
