Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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358. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason many young farmers (details supplied) are being denied young trained farmer grants and supports; if he proposes to change the existing definition of what constitutes a ‘young trained farmer’; if he will consider amending the qualifying terms and conditions relating to ‘young trained farmer’ relief and grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38707/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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EU Regulation 2021/2115 establishing rules for Strategic Plans to be drawn up by Member States under the CAP sets out that a young farmer shall be determined in such a way as to include an upper age limit, the conditions for being head of holding and the appropriate training or skills required, as determined by Member States. In Ireland’s case the appropriate training or skills are defined as a recognised course of education in agriculture giving rise to an award at Level 6 or equivalent on the National Framework of Qualifications.

This educational qualification requirement is included in the definition of a young farmer approved as part of the overall approval of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan by the European Commission. To be considered as an eligible young farmer for the purpose of receiving supports available under the CAP 2023-2027, the applicant must meet all of the requirements set out in the definition of a young farmer, including the educational qualification requirement. There are no plans to amend the definition of a young farmer as set out in the CAP Strategic Plan.

Taxation measures such as Stamp Duty relief for young trained farmers and 100% Stock Relief for young trained farmers have also been designed to require a minimum agricultural educational requirement. There are a number of options available for completing agricultural education programmes, including part-time and distance courses.