Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 July 2025
117. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to support intergenerational farm transfer through the next CAP policy cycle; whether he is considering a dedicated farm succession scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36658/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Programme for Government emphasises “supporting inter-generational farm succession.” Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, highlights that ensuring generational renewal in farming is vital for the sector’s long-term viability and social sustainability in rural Ireland.
Demographic challenges facing agriculture are not unique to Ireland; the difficulty of attracting young people into farming is a recognised issue at both national and EU levels, including in the recent EU Commission Vision for Agriculture and Food.Under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023–2027, my Department is making significant investments to support generational renewal through the following:
• A Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers’ Scheme, supporting young farmers in establishing their businesses. Payments for 2024 under the CISYF began in early December 2024.
• The National Reserve 2023-2027, which offers support to two priority groups—Young Farmers and New Farmers—with approximately €3.1 million paid out for the 2024 scheme.
• Under the TAMS capital investment measure, a 60% grant rate for qualified young farmers remains available.
• A Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme to financially encourage partnerships between existing farmers and trained young farmers.
• The Succession Planning Advice Grant, which helps cover costs for independent legal and financial advice to older farmers planning succession.
In March, I announced that over €1.5 million has been allocated to three Generational Renewal projects under the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) measure of the CAP Strategic Plan.
In addition to CSP supports, a comprehensive suite of national measures also exist including taxation incentives, improved access to finance, and comprehensive education and training opportunities.
Last October, an independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established. The Commission is taking an objective, evidence-based approach examining the various factors involved that contribute to the age demographic in the sector. It is engaging closely with stakeholders, including a public consultation.
The Commission is making significant progress and I am expecting a report on policy options in the coming weeks, which will ensure that we have an objective analysis of the issue in advance of preparations for the next CAP.
