SOME farmers are not fully aware of what is involved in TAMS, while others assume the process is too complicated and avoid applying altogether which means they’re missing out on a myriad of payments that would ultimately make their farms safer places. 

That’s according to Danielle Burke, Teagasc’s specialised scheme advisor who is urging  West Cork farmers who are unsure about any aspect of TAMS, to contact their agricultural advisor to confirm what they are eligible for and to be guided through the process.

‘The scheme operates through both an application stage and a claim stage, and each step requires different supporting documents depending on the type of investment being applied for.

Many farmers are surprised to learn that there are smaller, straightforward investments that require far less paperwork compared with larger, well‑known investments such as agricultural buildings.

Getting proper advice can make the process far clearer and ensure farmers do not miss out on valuable supports,’ explained Danielle. 

She’s keen to highlight a key sub‑scheme under TAMS that all farmers should be aware which is the Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme where funds are available for everything from a leg hoist to replacement slats. 

‘What’s worth noting is that this provides a 60% grant rate for all eligible applicants, regardless of age, and another notable advantage, is that this is currently the only scheme with a 100% approval rate, provided the application and claim are completed correctly,’ said Danielle.

‘The purpose of this scheme is to support investment in infrastructure and equipment that improves overall farmyard safety. The range of eligible items is broad, covering smaller safety equipment such as head scoops and leg hoists, right up to larger structural investments like replacing damaged slats or installing a new cattle crush. Every farm has areas that pose potential safety risks, and this scheme helps farmers address those issues in a financially manageable way, improving both safety and labour efficiency without excessive cost,’ said Danielle.

‘This makes it a particularly valuable opportunity for farmers looking to upgrade or replace equipment that could prevent accidents and improve day‑to‑day operations. There is a wide range of investments available to farmers under the Farm Safety Investments Scheme. These include smaller mobile items such as head scoops, leg hoists, cattle weighing scales, electronic tag readers, and calving/dehorning crates, as well as larger fixed investments like cattle crushes, aeration systems, replacement of damaged slats, and the replacement of hinged or sheeted gates with new sliding or roller doors on agricultural buildings,’ said Danielle. 

Each investment item is assigned its own reference cost by the Department (excluding VAT).

For example: head scoop — €455.46; leg hoist — €318.78 and cattle weighing scales — €1,517.97.

These reference costs determine the grant amount payable, rather than the farmer’s actual purchase price, but if the farmers costings comes in lower (very seldomly it does) then the department will pay on the lower amount. 

Also worth noting is that applicants should be aware that a minimum investment of €2,000 must be included in each application; anything below this threshold will be rejected.

‘Farmers should also familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions, scheme specifications, and the different grant rates that apply to various investment categories. There is technically no upper limit on how much you can apply for, but there is a ceiling on the amount that will be grant‑aided. For individual farmers, the maximum eligible ceiling is €90,000 per holding, while registered farm partnerships can access a higher ceiling of €160,000. It is strongly recommended that farmers consider applying for mobile investments such as head scoops, leg hoists, weighing scales, and bale shears. For those willing to invest larger sums, items like replacement of damaged slats, or upgrading hinged or sheeted doors to roller or sliding doors, are worthwhile options. These are the kinds of investments that many farms either lack or delay replacing, yet they can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in the future. With a 60% grant rate now available, it is an ideal time to apply or at least discuss the options with your agricultural advisor to see what investments best suit your farm,’ concluded Danielle.

Full details of the Department’s reference costings for all eligible investments can be found on the TAMS 3 section of the Department’s website, or by contacting your agricultural advisor, who can guide you through the options most relevant to your farm.

WHAT IS TAMS?

TAMS, or the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme, is a Department‑funded grant programme designed to help farmers upgrade and modernise infrastructure and equipment, improving both efficiency and overall farm safety.

The current programme, TAMS 3, runs from 2023 to 2027 and is made up of several sub‑schemes offering grant aid ranging from 40% to 60, depending on the specific scheme and investment type.

Most applicants are subject to a €90,000 ceiling per holding, while registered farm partnerships benefit from a higher ceiling of €160,000.

All applications are submitted in tranches through the Department’s online system, AgFood, which manages both the application and approval process.

The scheme operates through both an application stage and a claim stage, and each step requires different supporting documents depending on the type of investment being applied for. 

There are different tranches throughout the year- March 6 (Tranche 11), June 5 (Tranche 12), September 4 (Tranche 13), and December 4 (Tranche 14).

Applications won't be looked at by the department until after the tranche closing date and applications can be put in any time during the tranche and typically reopen the day after the tranche deadline. 

What West Cork farmers say about TAMS and its benefits:

“If there’s a grant going, you’d be mad not to make use of it before it’s gone.”

“You have to keep investing in the farm — if you’re not moving forward, you’re slipping backwards.”

“Improving safety isn’t just for yourself; it’s for the next generation coming after you.”

“Anything that makes the work easier and safer is worth looking at.”