Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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148. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action his Department is taking regarding succession in farming, in view that this is a critical issue which must be urgently addressed by the delivery of a comprehensive succession policy with the outcome of a succession scheme that specifically addresses the barriers to entry for young farmers into the agricultural sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13797/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The new Programme for Government acknowledges the importance of this issue and prioritises “supporting inter-generational farm succession”. Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, states that generational renewal in farming is critically important to ensure the future viability and social sustainability of the Irish agri-food sector and of rural Ireland.

Demographic challenges for the agricultural sector are not unique to Ireland and the challenge of attracting young people into a career in farming is widely recognised, both at national and EU level, including in the recent EU Commission Vision for Agriculture and Food.

There are a number of supports currently available to young farmers under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. In addition, there is a suite of national taxation measures, access to finance supports and comprehensive education & training. Teagasc’s annual “Transferring the Family Farm Clinics” guide farmers on succession. Despite the significant existing supports, the age demographic of farm-holders is not improving significantly. The most recent figures available show that only 4.35 % of farm-holders are under 35 years of age, and some 37% of farmers are over 65.

Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. Last October, an independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established. The Commission is adopting an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the complex factors involved that contribute to the age demographic in the sector. It is engaging closely with stakeholders, including a public consultation. As part of the Food Vision process, a report is due on policy options before the end of June this year.

I look forward to receiving that report, which will ensure that we have an objective analysis of the issue in advance of preparations for the next CAP.