The IFA has described the exclusion of the dairy equipment scheme from TAMS in the consultation document for the CAP strategic plan as ‘active discrimination against the dairy sector.’
IFA National Dairy Chairman Stephen Arthur said the Department is quick to forget the vital importance of the dairy sector to the rural economy.
‘Our thriving growth in exports carried this country out of the recession, yet they are turning their backs on us now,’ he said.
The IFA says the Dairy Equipment Scheme is one of the most popular schemes within TAMS, which stands for Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes.
Since its introduction, more than 7,800 farmers have received grant aid from the scheme amounting to over €56m. This translates to total investment of over €120m in dairy equipment on farms.
Stephen Arthur says dairy farmers need continued support to meet increasing demands in the marketplace.
He is calling on the department has to make provisions for this vital scheme in the next CAP.
