This is a subscriber-only article
Pig producers are calling for an increase in the TAMS threshold from €80,000 to €300,000 to allow for the installation of renewable technologies in pig units.
There is €20m allocated to the pig and poultry sector under TAMS II. Pig farmers may apply for 40% grant aid on investments up to a ceiling of €80,000.
However, the industry has repeatedly said the €80,000 ceiling is too low for intensive producers.
IFA pigs chair Tom Hogan has called on Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to increase the ceiling: “At this stage, it would appear all the TAMS funding will not be spent. We’ve made representations to the Minister to raise the threshold to €300,000 for incentive pig farmers.”
Climate
He emphasised the current price crisis in the sector was the immediate concern for all producers but that major investment would soon be needed on what were now cash-strapped farms.
With climate change and environmental sustainability dominating debates, Hogan said pig producers could provide a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions.
“If the TAMS threshold were increased we could invest in solar panels and other renewable technologies,” he said.
Price cuts
Following price cuts from Rosderra and Cookstown two weeks ago, Kepak have also reduced its quotes by 4c/kg. Hogan said there was desperation, despair and downright anger among farmers as September’s price increase had been all but eroded.
“Even with the extra 4c/kg we received in September guys were still producing under the cost of production. Quotes are ranging from 1.36c/kg to 1.44c/kg but the average cost of production is 1.55c/kg.”
He said that market indications pointed towards an upward trajectory from late January 2019 but for many producers already maximising credit facilities it was a long time until then.
SHARING OPTIONS: