Details of the new grants for young farmers, which cover 60% of farm investment, have been announced.

The young farmer grants come under the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme, which is the first of the new Targeted Modernisation Schemes (TAMS II).

The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney said the Scheme is very important – offering eligible young farmers a special rate of aid of 60% of investment costs, compared to the standard rate of 40% which will be generally available to other farmers.

Areas covered

The specific areas of investment will include:

  • Animal housing
  • Slurry storage
  • Dairy equipment
  • Specialised slurry spreading equipment,
  • Animal welfare and farm safety,
  • Specialised pig & poultry investments.

In addition, young farmers will be able to avail of grant-aid for construction of new dairy buildings.

The total allocation for the various on farm investment schemes planned under TAMS II, including the Young Farmer Investment scheme, is €395m over the course of the programme.

Ministers Coveney and Hayes announced today that an indicative allocation of €120m was being made available to young farmers under the terms of the new Scheme over the full RDP period.

Do you qualify?

Farmers must be below 40 years of age at the time of application and have been set up in farming within the previous five years.

While the EU regulations contain some limitations regarding the categories of farmers which may be regarded as eligible for the scheme, the intention is to ensure that as many young farmers as possible can avail of the enhanced grant scheme.

 Do you qualify – check here 

Minister Coveney said he would be making further announcements in the coming weeks on the launch of the remaining TAMS Schemes, including the new Dairy Equipment Scheme which is also being prioritised for early opening.

How to apply?

All applications must be made on-line, either by the farmer or by an adviser authorised to act on his or her behalf.

The facility for farmers and advisers to rapidly link via SMS texting is now available, and the online system will open for applications from the May 28.

The closing date for applications under the first tranche of the new scheme will be Friday, August 28, 2015.