The deadline for completion of work under the TAMS Sow Welfare Scheme has been extended from end-September 2013 to  28 February 2014.

According to an update from the Department of Agriculture this afternoon, it has been aware that a small group of farmers had been unable to complete the TAMS investment works concerned by end-September 2013.

“Minister Simon Coveney has therefore decided to extend this TAMS deadline until 28 February 2014 and all farmers who intend to claim grant-aid under the scheme must complete the works and lodge a final payment claim with his department by that date.  The same final deadline will also be applicable to any farmers still completing work under the 2005 and 2007 Sow Welfare Schemes,” the statement reads.

It has been stressed that the final extension for completion of work under the scheme is not an extension of the deadline for compliance with sow welfare legislation. The department is keen to remind farmers that it is an offence to keep pigs in non-compliant housing after 1 January 2013.

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