Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1200. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure continued support for farmers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56622/23]
View answerWednesday, 17 January 2024
Questions (1200)
Written answers
The Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. There is an indicative budget of €370 million available for the period 2022-2027, and all investments must be linked to Climate, Environment or Animal Welfare.
There is currently a range of Agtech equipment already included in the TAMS 3 schemes. This includes items such as GPS machinery control, yield monitoring, health and fertility monitoring systems, grass growth monitoring systems, robotic slurry scrapers and automatic calf feeders. The inclusion of further investment categories is dependent on the availability of funding for the TAMS 3 schemes.
The required validation protocols for new technologies will vary by product and intended usage. Teagasc, the State Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is a recognised and trusted body which undertakes research in the agricultural sector. Companies looking to have their products validated for the Irish market should contact Teagasc to discuss the options for such work to be undertaken.
The issue of reclaiming VAT in respect of on-farm investments is the responsibility of the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.