TAMS payments needed promptly - Mayo IFA chairman

PROMPT payment to farmers under TAMS 3 is a must.

Reacting to the commencement of TAMS 3 payments announced by the Department of Agriculture, Mayo IFA county chairman John Lynskey said it is essential that the maximum number of farmers are paid, and paid promptly.

Many of these investments were made, and costs incurred, many months ago, particularly for mobile assets.

Mr. Lynskey commented: “More broadly, TAMS reference costs are very much out of kilter with prevailing costs of materials. Investment ceilings and costs need to be reviewed upwards to better reflect the new cost realities.

“This is particularly relevant given Revenue's changed perspective on items eligible for VAT 58 reclaims.”

He continued: “There also needs to be greater minimisation of bureaucracy/verification to speed up the whole process and help ensure all funding is fully utilised.

“Any unused funding within TAMS must be retained and re-circulated for future tranches to support on-farm investment.”