The IFA is seeking an allocation of €100m for TAMS II in the forthcoming budget to meet on-farm investment plans and the commitments entered into with approvals already issued.

IFA rural development chair Joe Brady said 10,000 farmers currently have approval to proceed with work and a further 1,500 are awaiting approval.

“These farmers, and those who apply for the scheme over the coming months, must be catered for in the Government Book of Estimates for 2018 which will be announced on budget day,” according to Brady.

The IFA rural development chair pointed out that in the RDP 2014-2020, €395m is allocated to TAMS. The scheme is a vital support mechanism for farmers who are modernising their farms, in some cases expanding their operations, and meeting higher environmental and animal welfare standards. It is important that the allocations in the RDP are fully utilised.

In relation to changes to the scheme, the IFA has recently made a submission to the Department of Agriculture urging the inclusion of additional items for grant aid and alteration to the terms and conditions for some sectors.

The IFA is proposing the inclusion of underpasses, feed bins for all sectors, farm roadways, new buildings for the pig and poultry sectors and rubber slat mats.

The IFA has also presented a case for an increase in the investment limit for the intensive sectors and an immediate review of reference costings that determines the grant aid payable.