The Department of Agriculture has released a handy FAQ document outlining answers to some of the key questions farmers will be asking in relation to TAMS II.
Here are a selection of some of the key questions in terms of making an application answered by the Department:
Q. How do I go about applying for TAMS II?
A. Applications for TAMS II must be made online (manual applications by post, fax, e-mail, etc will not be accepted).
Clients will require access to the Department’s online services prior to applying for TAMS II schemes. Details for online access can be found at: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/agfoodinformationpages/
Q. Do I need to employ an approved advisor to make a TAMS II application on my behalf?
A. Clients are not required to employ an approved agent. Clients can apply directly themselves or can employ an approved advisor to act on their behalf if they so choose. To make an application for TAMS II, the client or their Agent(s) must have prior access to the Department’s online services (see above).
Please note that the onus is on clients or their agents to have access to online services in place AND submit applications prior to the closing date for TAMS II Schemes.
Q. I have access to the Department’s online services, but my details are incorrect?
A. If your name, address, date of birth, PPSN, herd number, etc. are incorrect you are required to have the information corrected prior to applying online. To have incorrect details amended please contact:
- By post – Client Registration, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Government Buildings, Farnham Street, Cavan.
- By e-mail – [email protected],
- By phone – 049 4368252.
Q. What is the closing date for TAMS II schemes?
A. The overall closing date for all schemes is December 31, 2020. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted by the Department.
The various schemes will open and close in ‘tranches’, which will generally run for three months at a time. Applications under each tranche must be submitted by the closing date for that tranche.
Q. What are ‘tranches’?
A. Tranche periods (usually three months) are used to allocate expenditure over the RDP period 2015 – 2020. Applications are assessed and ranked in each tranche to keep the expenditure within budget. Those applications ranked highest are sent for potential approval for the relevant scheme.
Unsuccessful applications in any tranche period are automatically carried over to the next tranche period, until such time as the scheme closes for applications. A closing date for any tranche means that applications received after that date will not be considered for assessment in that tranche period. A tranche closing date is not to be confused with the closing date for the scheme.
Q. What if I make a mistake on the application?
A. The online system has checks (validations) built in to highlight obvious error or omissions, however it is up to the applicant to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data provided.
Q. Can I apply for TAMS II if
- I am new to farming and had no land to declare in the last SPS/BPS year?
- I recently inherited/bought/leased a farm that is not declared in the last SPS/BPS year?
- I recently bought/leased additional land that is not declared in the last SPS/BPS year?
- I did not make an SPS/BPS declaration in the previous year?
A. Yes, but the BPS application must be submitted prior to applying for TAMS II schemes.
Q. What are the grant rate(s) for the TAMS II schemes?
A. For the Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme a grant of 60% is payable on eligible investments. If the educational qualification is not met within three years of applying the grant rate will be paid at 40%. For all other Schemes the grant rate is paid at 40%.
For the Organics Capital Investment Scheme the grant rate for eligible young farmers is 60%. If the educational
qualification is not met within three years of applying the grant rate will be paid at 40%. For all other applicants under the Scheme the grant rate is 40%.
Q. Can I make more than one application in any TAMS II scheme?
A. Yes, subject to the costs for all applications not exceeding the overall TAMS II super ceiling of €80,000 (€160,000 for partnerships), or in the case of the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme €40,0000 (€60,000 for partnerships) and subject to a minimum of €2,000 per application.
Q. Can I apply for all TAMS II schemes?
A. Yes, subject to payments for all applications not exceeding the overall TAMS II super ceiling of €80,000 (€160,000 for partnerships) (Note that investments under the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme are not subject to this super ceiling).
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