€120m young farmer scheme open

THE online system for preparing applications for the €120m Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme is now open.

The system can be accessed directly through the Department of Agriculture’s website by farmers who are registered for online services via the department’s agfood facility. Alternatively, farmers may opt to use an approved agricultural advisor to prepare applications on their behalf.

“This is another milestone, and I want to encourage as many young farmers as possible to avail of the very extensive list of investment opportunities that are available under this new scheme,” commented Agriculture Minister, Simon Coveney. The new online system is accompanied by detailed information on the department website. The closing date for the current tranche of applications is Friday, September 18.

“This is just the first tranche of applications, however,” the Minister said. “These tranches will be organised regularly and it is important for farmers to remember that, particularly when they need time to organise planning-permission for any new construction.”

Grant-aid will be available under this scheme and the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Schemes to assist tillage farmers for the construction of nutrient storage facilities, and storage facilities for other farmyard manures, soiled water, and related facilities, as well as farm-safety investments. The farm safety items include the provision of sliding/roller doors. Tillage farmers will also be able to avail of grant-aid under the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme. This scheme provides grant aid for the purchase of new equipment for the spreading of slurry which has distinct environmental advantages.

Further announcements will follow shortly on the other TAMS Schemes. A total of €395m has been made available for TAMS 2 over the course of the RDP period.