Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1755. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of financial supports available to farmers who are retiring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20686/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The family farm is the heart of agriculture in Ireland, and I am a strong supporter of assisting the next generation take over the farm when the time is right to do so. 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. I believe that while it is important to support young farmers, it is also important to consider the position of older and retiring farmers.

Under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, there are a number of supports available in achieving generational renewal, including the Succession Planning Advice Grant, launched in September 2023. It provides financial support towards the costs incurred for independent legal and financial advice for older farmers about succession planning. Under Tranche 1, 51 eligible applications were paid in March 2024, amounting to €61,354. Under Tranche 2, 176 eligible applications were paid in February 2025, amounting to €219,029. Tranche 3 is now open with a further increase in applications expected.

At a national level, the taxation measure “Relief for Long-term Leasing of Farmland” provides a route to retirement for older farmers, providing additional income in retirement or semi-retirement, and assisting in generation renewal.

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 various 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.