We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil

Written answer

Departmental Reports

180. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to implement the recommendations of the report on generational renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52275/26]

Comment on this
Martin Heydon Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Fine Gael

There are a wide range of supports are in place to encourage timely succession, facilitate generational renewal and assist young farmers in establishing viable farm businesses. 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. However, farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions and that is why the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established.

The Commission adopted an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the factors involved and engaged closely with stakeholders. They have produced a thorough analysis and have made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas including CAP Supports; Pensions; Taxation; Access to Finance; Access to Land; Collaborative Arrangements; Advisory Services; Education and Training; Gender Balance; and the Overall Attractiveness of the Sector. This work will ensure that Ireland has a well-researched basis to make optimal use of the policy tools available to encourage young people, who are the lifeblood of farming, into the sector. It ensures we have a comprehensive, well-considered foundation for future policy on generational renewal.

An implementation group in my Department has considered the recommendations 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.

The current CAP is fully programmed. Recommendations around CAP supports will have to be considered in the context of the next round, post 2027.

Some recommendations in relation to taxation have already been implemented and more are being examined in the context of the next Budget.

I am consulting with my colleague the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the recommendations around pensions.

Discussions with Teagasc are ongoing regarding education & training and advisory services recommendations.

The gender balance recommendation is being progressed through my Department’s Women in Agriculture initiatives.

I want to restate my commitment to ensuring an enabling environment that encourages young people to farm and to secure a viable and sustainable future for the agri-food sector.

Comment on this