IFA Rural Development Chairman Joe Brady has welcomed clarification on the TAMS Sheep Fencing Scheme, which will allow the acceptance of most of the farmers who had received rejection letters over the past number of weeks.
It has been clarified that farmers must show proof that a minimum of either 40 ewes or store lambs are on their holding before they will receive approval for payment under the TAMS II sheep fencing scheme.
Joe Brady said “When the TAMS II Sheep Fencing Scheme was introduced in early June, farmers who applied, and who did not have sheep, were not told that their farm had to have sheep at time of application for the TAMS grant.
“When these farmers were being assessed for eligibility, they were rejected on the basis that they did not have sheep at time of application, even though they planned to get into sheep.
“In a submission to the Department of Agriculture, IFA called for provision to be made for new entrants to sheep farming, as well as farmers who have commonage and have to keep sheep for the sustainable stocking level required.”