Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann has called on the Agriculture Minister to replicate the aspects of the Republic’s Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS II) that are not available in Northern Ireland.

Robin Swann said:

“The objectives of the TAMS II are to facilitate farm modernisation, improve the working and production conditions on farming businesses and improve competitiveness and contribute to the improvement of agricultural incomes. Specific support is provided for a Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme, a Dairy Equipment Scheme, a Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment Scheme, an Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme, a Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme, an Organic Capital Investment Scheme.

“Whilst I am aware of the significant level of support being offered by the Farm Business Improvement Scheme (FBIS) in Northern Ireland, the Republic’s approach is much more specific and targeted. For instance there is particular attention on dairy equipment and slurry spreading.

“Whilst last week’s eventual announcement for October’s rollout of the capital support scheme under the FBIS, unfortunately the Department is still to produce the final list of eligible items. As a result many farmers are in limbo waiting to see whether planned projects could be assisted through the scheme.

“After being contacted by several farmers who were enviously watching the progress of the TAMS II in the Republic, I asked the Minister whether she had any plans to replicate aspects of the scheme here in Northern Ireland. Whilst in her response she did inform me that officials from DAERA have met with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to discuss commonalities between our respective schemes, unfortunately she expressed no willingness to learn from the scheme an take forward the specific support that may not be offered under our own Business Improvement Scheme.”