Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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398. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to extend a programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28750/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Government and I are aware of the challenges facing generational renewal and it remains a key priority recognised at both national and EU level.

The associated challenges are highlighted in Food Vision 2030 and the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which cites generational renewal as one of its key objectives. Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 reiterates our commitment with measures including a Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers’ Scheme, which will see qualifying young farmers benefit over the five years of the scheme.

The National Reserve 2023-2027 provides support to two priority categories of Young Farmer and New Farmer. A higher grant rate of 60% for qualified young farmers under the TAMS capital investment measure will also be available. The CSP also includes a Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme to provide financial support to encourage farmers to form partnerships with young, trained farmers.

Nationally, there are measures to facilitate succession and assist land mobility. For succession, Agricultural Relief is the key measure. In addition, 100% Stock Relief for Young Trained Farmers was worth €1.7 million. The Succession Farm Partnership Scheme assists the transfer of land within a partnership structure, to encourage earlier transfer of family farms. For land mobility, long-term leasing income tax relief supports access to land for young farmers.

In Budget 2024, I worked closely with the Minister for Finance to renew Consanguinity Relief for a further five years and to increase the aggregate relief permitted under the Young-Trained Farmers Stamp Duty Relief, Young-Trained Farmers Stock Relief and the Succession Farm Partnerships Tax Credit. The Stock Relief for Registered Farm Partnerships limit was also increased.

For Budget 2025 I will again work with my colleague, the Minister for Finance to ensure the provision of adequate support for young farmers and generational renewal through targeted agri-taxation measures as appropriate.