Irish pig and poultry farmers get funding for modernisation

Irish pig and poultry farmers now have access to a €17m (£12m) pot for improvements to their buildings and equipment.

Through part of a second round of finance known as TAMS II (targeted agricultural modernisation), farmers will have 40% of investments in their farms matched, up to a limit of €80,000 (£56,000). 

See also: New grants made available for UK poultry farmers

The fund is in place to encourage the improvement of existing buildings and their contents, which could include biomass boilers and solar panels – but also energy efficiency and farm equipment.

Agriculture, food and fishing minister Simon Covey said: “This investment of €17m reflects my department’s ongoing commitment to the growth potential of this important sector and to the modernisation of farming in Ireland.

“I hope that pig and poultry farmers will look very seriously at the opportunities offered by this new scheme.”

The €17m on offer forms part of a total €395m (£280m) of funding under TAMS II, money earmarked for modernising agriculture in the country.