Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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496. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific financial incentives or policy supports that are in place to help young farmers access land, given that land prices remain a major barrier to entry for the next generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4598/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Government provides significant supports for young farmers. The challenge of generational renewal is recognised both nationally and at EU level and this is reflected in the various supports that are available under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and through national measures.

Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan includes supports such as the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers, the National Reserve and support for partnerships. Nationally there is a range of taxation measures, including measures to assist the intergenerational transfer of family farms such as Agricultural Relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax and Stamp Duty Reliefs

Two taxation measures specifically assist with access to land for young farmers, 100% Stamp Duty Relief for Young Trained Farmers and Income Tax Relief from Leasing of Farmland. Income Tax Relief from Leasing of Farmland allows young farmers and new entrants to the sector to gain access to land by providing a cheaper means of long-term access to land, as opposed to the relatively high cost of land purchase. It also provides security of tenure and the certainty required to encourage lessees to maintain and make investments in improving land. It also provides a route to retirement for older farmers, assisting in generation renewal.

The Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming, established last October, is taking an objective and robust evidence-based look at all of the factors in play to ensure that we make optimal use of the policy tools and other supports available to encourage young people into the sector. The Commission is engaging closely with stakeholders before issuing a report on options for the future by the end of June this year.