Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

125. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the commission on generational renewal in farming will be introducing an early retirement scheme; if this will be included in their report on policy that is due to be published in the coming weeks [38157/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The new Programme for Government emphasises supporting intergenerational farm succession. Food Vision 2030, our shared strategy for the agri-food sector, highlights that ensuring generational renewal in farming is vital for the sector’s long-term viability and social sustainability in rural Ireland.

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 national taxation measures and support for access to finance, to ensure a coherent approach to this issue. In addition, education, training and advisory services are provided by Teagasc.

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. The Commission is making significant progress, and I am expecting a report on policy options in the coming weeks, which will ensure that we have an objective analysis of the issue in advance of preparations for the next CAP.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

126. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the grant funding available to upgrade and repair old farm sheds (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38215/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine funds the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme, which provides grant aid to farmers to conserve and repair derelict farm buildings and related structures.

The main goal of the scheme is to preserve traditional farm buildings that enhance the character of our national landscape and hold significant heritage value, while keeping them in active agricultural use.

The scheme, which is run in conjunction with the Heritage Council, has seen farm buildings and other related structures such as walls, gates and cobbled yards, returned to agricultural use across the country.

The scheme has proven to be very successful to date, with almost €9 million issued in grant aid to farmers since 2014, and 759 structures restored. A further €1.5 million was allocated to the scheme when it re-opened for new applications in January 2025.