Understanding the TAMS ranking system

The Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) has been an important source of funding for investing for farmers across Ireland.

Whether it's improving animal welfare, increasing slurry storage, upgrading dairy facilities or investing in renewable energy, the grant has helped thousands of farmers make improvements that might otherwise have been difficult to fund.

However, one of the biggest changes to TAMS in recent years has been the introduction of a ranking and selection process. As demand for funding has increased, many farmers are finding that submitting an eligible application no longer guarantees approval within that tranche.

Understanding how the system works can help you plan your investment and avoid unexpected delays.

Why has the ranking system been introduced?

Since the launch of TAMS III, applications have significantly exceeded initial expectations. The popularity of schemes such as the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) and the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme (LESS), alongside continued demand for farm buildings and nutrient storage, has placed increasing pressure on the available budget.

While all eligible applications in the early tranches were approved, the Department of Agriculture has since introduced ranking and selection to manage funding within the overall CAP budget.

What does ranking and selection mean?

Every eligible application is assessed against a set of predetermined ranking criteria.

These criteria differ slightly depending on the scheme but can include factors such as:

the applicant's age
farm size
whether the holding is located in an Area of Natural Constraint (ANC)
stocking rate and nutrient production
the type of investment being applied for.

Applications are then ranked, with approvals issued until the available budget for that tranche has been allocated. Applications that are not selected are automatically rolled forward into the next tranche for consideration.

What does this mean for farmers?

The biggest change is that timing has become more important.

Farmers who are planning a new shed, slurry storage, livestock facilities or other capital investment may need to allow additional time before receiving approval.

It's also important to remember that, for fixed investments, work cannot begin until formal approval has been received. Starting construction too early could make the investment ineligible for grant aid.

For farmers working towards regulatory deadlines, succession plans or expanding their business, this makes forward planning more important than ever.

A strong application matters

While no adviser can guarantee that an application will be selected, submitting a complete and accurate application remains essential.

Ensuring that planning requirements, drawings, specifications and supporting documentation are correct from the outset can help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure the application is eligible for assessment.

Understanding how the ranking criteria apply to your individual farm can also help you make informed decisions about the timing and structure of future investments.

Should you still apply?

Absolutely.

TAMS remains one of the most valuable investment supports available to Irish farmers, offering grant aid towards a wide range of farm improvements that can increase efficiency, improve safety and support environmental sustainability.

The introduction of ranking and selection doesn't mean the scheme is no longer worthwhile. Instead, it reflects the increased demand for funding and the need to prioritise applications within a fixed budget. For many farmers, the key is to plan ahead, understand the application process and allow sufficient time for approval before committing to any investment. If you are unsure if you will receive the grant due to a lower ranking, we advise to plan your budget without TAMS, but it is still worth applying.

How ifac can help

Applying for TAMS can involve much more than completing an application form. From assessing eligibility and preparing supporting documentation to advising on investment planning and timelines, having the right guidance can make the process much smoother.

Our teams work with farmers across Ireland to prepare TAMS applications and help them navigate the changing requirements of the scheme, giving you the best possible chance of a successful outcome while ensuring your investment plans stay on track.

Contact our team

Contact a member of our expert team and find out how we can support you.

Get in touch

Talk to Philip O'Connor

Head of Farm Support052 7441772 farmsupport@ifac.ie Linkedin