2633. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will establish a dedicated farm succession scheme as part of Budget 2027 to support the progressive transfer of the managerial, financial and decision-making responsibilities of farm enterprises to younger farmers; the proposed eligibility criteria, payment structure and timeframe for such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58180/26]

Farm succession is a key priority for the Government to ensure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Irish agriculture. A range of supports are in place to encourage timely succession, facilitate generational renewal and assist young farmers in establishing viable farm businesses.

Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 provides substantial resources to achieving generational renewal and measures include the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CIS-YF); the National Reserve Scheme, which prioritises young farmers; and a higher grant rate of 60% for qualified young farmers under the TAMS capital investment measure. A Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme provides financial support to encourage farmers to form partnerships with young, trained farmers and the Succession Planning Advice Grant provides financial support towards the costs incurred for independent legal and financial advice for older farmers about succession planning.

Nationally, there are strong taxation measures to facilitate succession and assist land mobility. For succession, Agricultural Relief is the key measure, along with 100% Stamp Duty Relief and Consanguinity Stamp Duty Relief. In addition, long-term leasing income tax relief supports access to land for young farmers and provides a route to retirement for older farmers.

The Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS) provides low-cost, long-term investment loans up to ten years, and is a viable source of finance for young farmers. Teagasc education and knowledge activities focus on equipping young farmers with necessary education, training and advice to build long and successful careers in farming. Teagasc also run annual “Transferring the Family Farm” clinics to guide farmers on succession.

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. It was necessary however to consider whether existing supports are having the desired effect, and how supports might best be configured for the future. The Commission produced a thorough analysis and made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas. Some of the recommendations may be commenced in the short term, but some will be more medium term. The current CAP is fully programmed and the budget has been committed. Therefore, recommendations in the report around CAP supports will need to be considered in the context of the new round post 2027, including the new CAP regulation and a new budget. However, I will continue to progress other recommendations, where appropriate.

Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. It is an issue in which I am actively engaged, as it is vital that we have skilled, innovative young farmers coming into the sector to secure a viable and sustainable future for Irish farming.