IFA Welcomes Tams Scheme for Tillage Farmers

IFA National Grain Committee Chairman Liam Dunne has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Agriculture that a TAMS Scheme for tillage farmers will launch in the coming weeks.

The Minister’s confirmation follows EU Commission approval for funding for investment in grain storage and precision and low impact tillage equipment by arable crop farmers, submitted by the Department following lobbying by IFA.

Liam Dunne said, “Poor world grain prices have decimated growers’ margins over the last three years and grant-aided investment is critical in helping growers to restore competitiveness while reducing the sector’s carbon and environmental footprint.

“Growers supply quality grain, oilseeds and proteins for use in Ireland’s livestock, milling, malting, brewing and distilling industries. Our tillage farmers are world-class operators but they work in a very challenging environment, competing against world prices. They have to contend with extreme price and income volatility in addition to the vagaries of the Irish weather.

“Targeted funding is a must to maintain competitiveness and facilitate further expansion of arable crop production. This will support the growth of Ireland’s rapidly expanding dairy, whiskey and gluten free oats export orientated businesses. Increased farm-to-farm trade coupled with the use of technology will also allow grain farmers to reduce agriculture’s carbon and environmental footprint.

Concluding, the IFA Grain Chairman stated that, “It is vital that the investment scheme is opened as soon as possible. There is considerable scope for expansion of the sector. However, this expansion will depend on increased productivity and profitability through reducing input use and crop establishment costs.”