Written answers

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Agricultural Qualifications

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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325. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers who obtain the certificate in agriculture in Northern Ireland have the same entitlements in the participation in schemes and tax exemptions as farmers who have a green certificate; if there are any particular differences in relation to the status and validation of these courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36412/15]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Both the Young Farmer Scheme under the Basic Payment Scheme and the new investment schemes under the Rural Development Programme provide for higher payments for certain qualified young farmers. The eligible qualifications are published as part of the relevant schemes.

Currently farmers can avail of Agricultural Relief from Capital Acquisition Tax and stamp duty relief on land transfers if they meet certain criteria, which include agricultural qualifications. Young farmers can avail of enhanced stock relief and a stamp duty exemption on land transfers if they meet certain criteria, which include agricultural qualifications. The eligible qualifications are published as part of the relevant taxation legislation.

Teagasc can certify that a qualification awarded in Northern Ireland is deemed equivalent to the published qualifications. Farmers with equivalent qualifications are eligible for schemes and taxation measures as qualified farmers.

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