Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme Launched – Minister Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said the new Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme that was launched by his colleague Minister Simon Coveney TD is a positive initiative that will assist young famers right across County Waterford.

“The specific areas of investment will include animal housing, slurry storage, dairy equipment, specialised slurry spreading equipment, animal welfare & farm safety, and specialised pig & poultry investments. In addition, young farmers will be able to avail of grant-aid for construction of new dairy buildings.

“Farmers must be below 40 years of age at the time of application and have been set up in farming within the previous five years. While the EU regulations contain some limitations regarding the categories of farmers which may be regarded as eligible for the scheme, the intention is to ensure that as many young farmers as possible can avail of the enhanced grant scheme.

“The total allocation for the various on farm investment schemes planned under TAMS II, including the Young Farmer Investment scheme, is €395m over the course of the programme. Ministers Coveney and Hayes announced that an indicative allocation of €120m was being made available to young farmers under the terms of the new Scheme over the full RDP period.

“All applications must be made on-line, either by the farmer or by an adviser authorised to act on his or her behalf. The facility for farmers and advisers to rapidly link via SMS texting is now available, and the online system will open for applications from the 28th of May. The closing date for applications under the first tranche of the new scheme will be Friday 28 August 2015.

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