Teagasc has increased its charges for farmer clients by as much as €85 for some contracts.

The new club and technology contract fees are up by between €15 and €85 since January.

Clients on the Teagasc club support package, without derogation, will pay €170 to €310 annually, depending on their farm income units.

The club package includes limited phone contact, office assistance with annual farm review consultation (includes basic BPS application if required), and invitations to events, access to Pasturebase Ireland as a farmer user, newsletters and the Today’s Farm magazine, but it does not include on-farm visits. It also includes basic inspection support when it arises.

The club and technology support charge has been increased by €15 across the board.

However, the increase for farmers in derogation is higher, at €50 to €85, depending on income units. The Teagasc technology support package adds one farm visit to the club package. Derogation farmers on the Teagasc technology package will pay €370 to €565 annually.

The derogation planning service for new derogation applications, which is only available to those on the technology support package, has increased by €30 to €390.

TAMS

Since the start of 2019, the cost of completing a TAMS II application for large projects is up by €200 to €1,175. It is only available to those on the Teagasc technology package and applies to projects in animal welfare, safety, nutrient storage, tillage capital, young farmer capital and organic capital.

Similarly the application for smaller projects has increased by €75 to €375. This includes dairy equipment and low emissions slurry as well.

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