Written Answers Nos. 1-14
14. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the further steps he and his Department are taking to encourage more young people to enter farming and to support family farm succession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52227/26]
View answerFarm succession is a key priority for the Government to ensure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Irish agriculture. A range of supports are in place to encourage timely succession, facilitate generational renewal and assist young farmers in establishing viable farm businesses.
Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 provides substantial resources to achieving generational renewal. There are also strong national taxation measures to facilitate succession and assist land mobility. In addition the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS) provides low-cost, long-term investment loans up to ten years, and is a viable source of finance for young farmers. Teagasc education and knowledge activities focus on equipping young farmers with necessary education, training and advice to build long and successful careers in farming.
It is worth restating that the Report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming estimated that total financial support to generational renewal in Ireland was some €428.6m in 2024.
It is also worth noting that the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming stated that this is an issue for all agri-food stakeholders to address; to support the environmental, social and economic sustainability of farming, and to enhance its image as a career.
The challenge of attracting young people into a career in farming is widely recognised, both at national and EU level. The most recent figures show that only 4.35 % of farmers are under 35 years of age, and some 37% of farmers are over 65. Demographic challenges for the agricultural sector are not unique to Ireland, and these figures are similar for the EU as a whole.
The Programme for Government prioritises “supporting inter-generational farm succession”. Supporting young farmers and facilitating generational renewal is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector. And while supporting young farmers and new entrants, it is also important to consider the position of older and retiring farmers.
Food Vision 2030, our stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector, states that generational renewal in farming is critically important to ensure the future viability and social sustainability of the Irish agri-food sector and of rural Ireland. This reflects the need to ensure a vibrant agricultural sector equipped with skilled and innovative young farmers to respond to societal demands for quality food and environmental public goods.
An implementation group in my Department has considered the recommendations if the Commission on Generational Renewal and progress is being monitored on an ongoing basis. Some of the recommendations may be commenced in the short term, but some will be more medium term. Some recommendations in relation to taxation have already been implemented and more are being examined in the context of the next Budget. In relation to access to finance, a second tranche of funding under the SBCI’s Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme will be launched shortly. In addition, I am consulting with my colleague the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the recommendations around pensions, and discussions with Teagasc are ongoing regarding education & training and advisory services recommendations.
I want to restate my commitment to an environment that encourages young people to farm and to secure a viable and and sustainable future for the agri-food sector.
