74. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had discussions with his EU counterparts on the importance of supporting generational renewal in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51672/26]

Generational renewal is one of the most important priorities for the future Common Agricultural Policy. Attracting young people into farming will be essential if we are to maintain a competitive, resilient and sustainable agricultural sector across the European Union.

I have discussed this issue regularly with my ministerial counterparts at meetings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, and in the context of the wider negotiations on the future CAP. There is broad recognition across Member States that generational renewal is one of the key challenges facing European agriculture and that the future CAP has an important role to play in supporting the next generation of farmers.

The Commission’s proposals reflect this increased focus. They provide for a range of measures to support young farmers, including establishment support, enhanced investment aid, higher income support and improved access to knowledge and advisory services.

Negotiations on these proposals remain ongoing and no final decisions have been taken. As Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Ireland’s role is to facilitate discussions and act as an honest broker in progressing negotiations among Member States.

Ireland believes that the future CAP should continue to provide a strong framework for supporting generational renewal while allowing Member States sufficient flexibility to design measures that reflect their own farming structures and national circumstances. We will continue to work constructively with Member States, the European Commission and the European Parliament to progress negotiations on a future CAP that supports young farmers and contributes to a vibrant and sustainable future for European agriculture.