LOBBYING for equines to be included under future capital investment schemes ramped up this week ahead of a looming EU deadline.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon met the IFA Horse Project Team on Wednesday to discuss capital supports for the Irish equine sector.

Minister Heydon (FG) told Irish Horse World: “We are currently in the process of finalising the next on-farm capital investment scheme which forms part of our CAP strategic plan. As part of that we are evaluating a range of items and investment areas that might form part of this new scheme, due to be operational in 2023.

“The thoroughbred and sport horse are an intrinsic part of our culture and heritage. Breeders are at the heart of the industry which is renowned worldwide and one I am immensely proud of. Many of these breeders run small operations alongside other agricultural activity and I recognise the need for them to invest in their holdings particularly in the key areas of housing, fencing, and handling.

“Richard Kennedy and his team made a passionate case that investing in our small-scale breeders will lead, not only to improved economic viability, but also benefits for the environment and animal welfare.

“As Minister with responsibility for farm safety, I see the handling of horses in unsuitable facilities as a major risk, one which can, and has, led to injuries.

“There are of course a range of demands for the next capital investment scheme, and we are weighing up all these competing demands carefully before submitting the final details to the European Commission for approval.”

Pushing the case

IFA Horse Project Team chairman Richard Kennedy said: “We were pleased that Minister Heydon is supportive of the case that IFA have made to include the horse farming sector under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) in the future and we must see this support come to fruition and be available for farmers to apply for in early 2023.”

Kennedy added: “Reinvestment is essential if we are to see the next generation of farmers continue the tradition and contribution that horses make to the national agricultural output.

“Maintaining the grassroots farmer involved in breeding and rearing of horses is key to the continued success of our equine farming sector, a sector that is world renowned across the world as leaders in producing top-class thoroughbred and sport horses.”

Essential component

Senator Paul Daly (FF) called for equines to be included under TAMS, saying: “The TAMS scheme should be extended to include equine and allow small family farm breeders access the fund.

“The horse breeding industry is an essential component of rural economies across the country and small family breeders with a handful of mares are a backbone of the industry.

“I’ve spoken with Minister McConalogue who confirmed to me his desire to support the area given its importance to farm families and the wider rural economy. I believe he will look favourably at the issue.”