The Beef Plan Movement is preparing an official organizational submission to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) on behalf of our members. Minister of State Martin Heydon has issued a formal “Call for Evidence” allowing farmers to critique the current scheme and demand new items for inclusion.
We need your direct feedback on what works, what is missing, and what needs fixing to protect beef family farm incomes.
When is the Deadline?
The final deadline for the Department to receive submissions is 17:00 on Friday, 30 October 2026. To allow our team time to compile and format our collective response, please send your proposals to the Beef Plan Movement by 17:00 on Wednesday , 28 October 2026. Please send your ideas to info@beefplan.ie or post them on one of our WhatsApp groups.
What is TAMS 3 Funding Used For?
The Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides capital grant aid (typically between 40% and 60%, and up to 70% for specific nutrient schemes) to help farmers upgrade infrastructure and purchase modern equipment. Key areas currently covered include:
– Animal Welfare & Housing: Cattle housing, slats, and handling facilities.
– Nutrient Storage: Slurry tanks, dungsteads, and high-efficiency storage solutions.
– Farm Safety: Secure handling pens, calving gates, crushing equipment, and safety tech.
– Environmental & Renewable Tech: Solar panels and Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) equipment.
General Types of Stuff We Should Look For (What We Need From You)
The Department is specifically looking for evidence regarding innovative technologies and climate-resilient infrastructure. When reviewing your own farm yard, look for the following to send us:
1. New Equipment or Technology: Is there specific beef handling equipment, smart-farming tech, weight-recording sensors, or safety infrastructure not currently grant-aided that would save you labor or make your yard safer?
2. Issues with Current Reference Costs: The current grant reference costs frequently fail to reflect actual builder and contractor prices. If you have been quoted prices that are significantly higher than the DAFM reference list, let us know so we can demand an update to reality-based pricing.
3. Justification: For every item you suggest, please provide a brief note on why it helps, such as improving farm safety, boosting animal welfare, or reducing carbon/environmental impact.
Please send your ideas to info@beefplan.ie or post them on one of our WhatsApp groups.
