Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
369. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of young, trained farmers that are expected to qualify with a Green Certificate in 2026; and the estimated cost of providing installation of €10,000 per farmer to those qualified farmers who set up a farming enterprise. [48424/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not collate national statistics on the Green Cert Programme.
The Green Cert is delivered by a number of education providers from across the further education system. These providers include Teagasc, which operates under the aegis of my Department, along with some Employment and Training Boards (ETBs), and a small number of private providers.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the national agency responsible for validating education programmes leading to QQI awards provide accreditation for the various Green Cert programmes. My Department works in tandem with Teagasc to maximise participation in their Green Cert programme.
I have asked Teagasc to provide the Deputy with details on the numbers graduating from the Teagasc Green Cert Programme in 2026.
The previous Young Farmers’ Installation Scheme was closed in 2008.
My Department provides significant supports to young trained farmers under the current CAP Strategic Plan and previous CAP schemes.
Generational renewal is a focus in the ongoing negotiations at EU level on the next CAP from 2028 onwards.
In addition, very significant agri taxation measures are in place to support young farmers.
