The agricultural sector is the backbone of rural Ireland, and the government’s commitment to supporting farmers is evident through the introduction of initiatives like the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS Grants). These schemes are designed to modernise farm facilities, improve efficiency, and ensure safety on farms, ultimately promoting a sustainable and safe farming environment. As part of this, farmers are required to complete a TAMS Farm Safety Course to meet the safety requirements for TAMS III grants.
What Are TAMS Grants?
TAMS grants provide financial assistance to Irish farmers to invest in modern, efficient, and safe farming equipment and infrastructure. This funding can cover a variety of projects, like upgrading farm buildings, installing renewable energy systems, and purchasing specialised machinery. TAMS III, the current iteration of the scheme, continues to focus on modernisation while addressing new challenges like environmental sustainability.
Key Features of TAMS III:
Grant Rates: Farmers can typically avail of grants covering up to 40% to 60% of the investment cost, depending on the applicant’s circumstances. For example, young farmers and female farmers may be eligible for higher rates.
Eligible Investments: TAMS III covers a wide range of investments, including:
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- Solar PV systems to promote renewable energy.
- Animal housing upgrades to meet modern welfare standards.
- Safety-focused investments like slurry storage and handling equipment.
- Machinery that improves operational efficiency.
Application Process: Farmers must submit a detailed application, including plans and cost estimates, through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s online portal. Applicants need to secure approval before beginning any work.
Farm Safety: A Critical Component of TAMS III
One of the core elements of TAMS III is its emphasis on farm safety. Agriculture remains one of the most hazardous occupations, with risks associated with machinery, livestock, and daily operations. To address this, farm safety training has become a mandatory requirement for farmers availing of TAMS grants.
FRS Training Offers an Online TAMS Farm Safety Course
FRS Training offers a comprehensive TAMS Farm Safety Course Online, which fulfils the safety training requirements under TAMS III. This course is essential for farmers who wish to avail of the grants, as they must have completed a safety training course within the past five years or commit to doing so as part of their grant application. We deliver regular courses with an option to join in the morning or evening for 2.5 hours of interactive learning.
Course Details:
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Objective: To equip farmers with the knowledge and practical tools to reduce farm accidents and promote safe practices.
Course Contents:
- Health and Safety Legislation: Learn about the laws and guidelines governing farm safety.
- Farmer Survivor Stories: Real-life stories highlight the importance of safety measures.
- Reducing Farm Accidents: Practical ways to minimise risks.
- Safe Standards and Practices: Guidelines for handling livestock, machinery, tractors, and buildings.
- Risk Assessment and Code of Practice: Guidance on completing mandatory safety documentation.
Materials Provided: All necessary learning materials are supplied for the duration of the course.
Certification: Participants will receive an FRS Training letter of completion, which satisfies the TAMS III safety training requirement.
What You Need: Farmers attending our TAMS Farm Safety Course must provide their Herd Number, as this information is required for their certification. The training is straightforward and designed to accommodate farmers’ busy schedules, ensuring you meet the TAMS III requirements without significant disruption.
To book a place on our Online TAMS Farm Safety Course, click here: www.frstraining.com/sectors/agriculture-horticulture/tams-iii-course
For more information on TAMS grants, visit www.gov.ie/en/collection/0e509-tams-3 or contact your local agricultural advisor.
We also provide a range of agri courses, such as Quad/ATV, Best Practice in Milking, Safe Tractor Driving and Pesticide Application. Find out more.