The completion of this training is part of the requirements to draw down payments for approved works that have been completed under the scheme. To facilitate the submission of Farm Safety Code of Practice (COP) training certificates and in line with the removal of Covid Restrictions, this training will resume in-person from 1 March next.
Minister Heydon commented: “TAMS is an important mechanism to support farmers investing in newer and safer equipment and facilities for their farms. It is also an opportunity to get the message of safety-first onto these farms.
“We have seen significant uptake under TAMS with over 47,000 approvals issued to date and over 25,000 payment claims processed for payment. Farm safety training has been completed and certificates submitted in respect of over 27,000 payment claims, that’s 27,000 farms where safety has been put in sharper focus.”
As an interim measure, the facility to carry out the course on an online basis will also remain in place until 1 July 2022 on an exceptional basis for participants who cannot attend for covid reasons. All courses will be carried out in line with the Health and Safety Authority public health guidance available at the time. These arrangements will be reviewed at the end of June.
Minister Heydon added: “The farm safety module of the recently launched Agri-Environment Training Scheme (AETS) is also very important in making farm safety information accessible to farmers. Along with assisting farmers to undertake environmental action, we must ensure their health and well-being are protected also. The AETS scheme is now open for applicants and I would encourage any interested farmer to talk to their advisor about participating.”