Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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2243. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to date by his Department in relation to a review of the eligibility criteria for the succession planning advice grant to ensure better up take of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44138/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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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.

The Succession Planning Advice Grant is a relatively new scheme launched in September 2023, to encourage and support farmers aged 60 years and above to seek succession planning advice. It provides up to 50% of vouched legal, accounting and advisory costs, subject to a maximum payment of €1,500.

Applications may be submitted all year round, but payments are made in annual tranches. Under the first tranche, payments of €61,354 issued to 52 eligible applicants. Interest has been growing and under the second tranche, payments of €224,450 issued to 180 eligible applicants. This autumn, “Transferring the Family Farm Clinics” will be held in six different locations across the country. At these, my Department’s officials will be available to provide clear guidance on eligibility criteria and requirements for the Succession Planning Advice Grant.

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 taking an objective, evidence-based approach examining the range of factors involved that contribute to the age demographic in the sector. I am expecting the Commission to report to me on policy options in the coming weeks, and this will ensure that we have an objective analysis of the issue in advance of preparations for the next CAP.