Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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948. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he can provide an update on the work of the independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming and efforts being made to assist the farmers affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47970/25]

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. 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 and access to finance supports, as well as advisory and education & training supports.

Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. The Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established last October to examine these issues, and, this week, I announced publication of their report. The Commission has produced a thorough analysis and made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas including CAP Supports; Pensions; Taxation; Access to Finance; Access to Land; Collaborative Arrangements; Advisory Services; Education and Training; Gender Balance; and the Overall Attractiveness of the Sector. An implementation group within my Department will now carefully consider these recommendations and will engage with agricultural stakeholders and the relevant public bodies.

Attracting the next generation of farmers is critical to ensure that the agri-food sector remains vibrant and sustainable into the future and this analysis ensures that we have a comprehensive, well-considered foundation for future policy on generational renewal.