IFA Welcomes Eu Approval for Sheep Fencing Grant Aid

IFA National Sheep Committee Chairman John Lynskey has welcomed the decision from the EU Commission to approve the inclusion of sheep fencing as an investment under the existing TAMS, scheme as announced by Minister Coveney in the Dail this week.

John Lynskey said IFA has lobbied hard at both national and EU level to have sheep fencing re-instated as eligible for grant aid under TAMS.

“IFA made this a priority issues in the lead in to the Budget 2016 negotiations last September and also lobbied hard for it in the Dail, where we secured the full agreement of the Agriculture Committee.”

The IFA Sheep Chairman said the Department should now immediately move to open the scheme and have it included in the next application tranche.

“Grant aid for sheep fencing is a positive development. Good fencing is key to maximizing grass utilization on sheep farms,” said John Lynskey.

John Lynskey said IFA is continuing to work hard on the proposal for increased direct supports for sheep farmers, including a €20 per ewe targeted payment. He said this will be vigorously pursued with the new Government and at EU level. “IFA secured clear commitments from political parties and independent politicians on sheep supports prior to the General Elections and these must now be delivered on.”