Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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402. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will devise education programmes for young farmers on taxation reports and VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28754/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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While taxation is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Finance, I liaise with him regularly on issues impacting the agriculture sector.

Farming comes with significant demands and can often be challenging, it is essential that we take every step to support our young farmers ensuring enthusiastic people come through allowing the sector to flourish.

The challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised both at national and EU level, with the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) citing it as one of its nine key objectives. Our commitment to generational renewal is reiterated in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027.

Challenges associated with generational renewal are highlighted in Food Vision 2030, the stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector. Food Vision 2030 also suggests several actions, including maintaining the current strong level of support, the promotion of succession planning & land mobility, and increased education and promotion of the diversity of careers in the agri-food sector.

In addition, our young farmers continue to be equipped with the knowledge to build successful careers through Teagasc’s agricultural education programmes. In this regard DAFM has no role in the content or approval of education and training programmes.

I wish to point out that Revenue provide detailed guidelines on how to check eligibility and apply for the relevant reliefs and where farmer's are unsure of how to proceed they should seek the advice of an accountant or financial advisor.

Supporting young farmers continues to be a key priority for me and the Government and I will continue to engage with all stakeholders on this matter.