Grants for farmers leasing land
Noonan asked whether farmers leasing land could receive modernisation grants. Connaughton said tenants with leases of at least 12 years would be eligible under the reconstituted scheme, including people leasing a farm without owning land.
(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture if farmers who lease land qualify for grants under the farm modernisation scheme.
Comment on this
Farmers who take land on lease for a period of not less than 12 years are eligible for grant aid under the farm modernisation scheme.
Comment on this
(Limerick-West): Do I take it from the Minister's reply that the farmers will, when the modernisation scheme is reintroduced, qualify in the same way as if they were the owners of the farms?
Comment on this
Yes. The general intention is that under the new grant structure farmers—perhaps tenants would be a more appropriate term—on a 12-year lease will be eligible.
Comment on this
Yes, but we have to accept that the new legislation will be implemented in the autumn.
Comment on this
It is the 12-year lease and, so far as I can see, a tenant would in fact be eligible for grant aid under the scheme.
Comment on this
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does that mean a landless person who leases a farm now on a 12-year lease will qualify?