Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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767. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce a farm retirement scheme for older farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16801/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The new Programme for Government 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. While supporting young farmers and new entrants is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector, it is also important to consider the position of older and retiring farmers.

There are a number of supports for generational renewal currently available to farmers under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027. These supports are complemented by a suite of strong national taxation measures to ensure a coherent approach to address this issue. Despite the significant existing supports, the age demographic of farm-holders is not improving. 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. 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.