Farmers have been offered further flexibilities for the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) in response to Covid-19 issues.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue announced changes to make it easier for farmers to continue participating in the scheme where difficulties arise from the current public health restrictions in place. TAMS provides grants to build or improve farm buildings and equipment.
“It is essential that farming continues at this time while being mindful of the public health measures and it is important that we continue the TAMS scheme during this time. I have introduced some flexibilities to the scheme arrangements to reflect the fact that certain practices are not possible at this time and alternative arrangements are required,” said Mr McConalogue.
The measures include: flexibility on TAMS completion deadlines – all participants with TAMS II approvals or Covid-19 extensions expiring between 1 April and 30 June 2021 can apply to the local office for an additional three month extension.
Minister of State with responsibility for Farm Safety Martin Heydon, said new measures were being introduced to facilitate recommencement and submission of Farm Code Safety of Practice (COP) training certificates as part of the TAMS II payment claims.
“The ability to now carry out the safety training online will keep everyone undertaking the course safe during the current public health restrictions while providing important safety training,” commented Mr Heydon.
The requirement to submit a farm safety COP training certificate as part of the TAMS II payment claim will be mandatory from 26 April 2021 onwards.
LSL News.