Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

146. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which measures taken in Budget 2026 will support generational renewal in farming. [54915/25]

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

The 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 and that is why an independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established. The Commission adopted an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the factors involved and engaged closely with stakeholders. They have produced a thorough analysis and have made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas including taxation supports. An implementation group within the Department will now carefully consider the recommendations set out in the report and will engage with agricultural stakeholders and the relevant public bodies.

The Commission recommended extending the timeframes for stamp duty reliefs. In Budget 2026, the 100% Stamp Duty for Young Trained Farmers was renewed for four years instead of the normal three years providing certainty to farmers planning for succession. The Commission also recommended the retention of Agricultural Relief and I am pleased that it will remain available to farm families to facilitate succession and the intergenerational transfer of farms. Agricultural Relief and stamp duty exemptions were worth some €325 million in 2024.

Both Farm Restructuring (CGT) relief and Farm Consolidation (Stamp Duty) relief were renewed for four years. Farm Restructuring relief supports the restructuring of farms to improve farm efficiency and contributes to both economic and environmental sustainability. This relief is complemented by Farm Consolidation Stamp Duty Relief.