William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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256. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set out the measures from Budget 2026 that will support generational renewal in farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66334/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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First and foremost, generational renewal requires a viable farming sector. In October I announced details of my Department’s 2026 Budget. With an additional €170 million secured, bringing the Vote to over €2.3 billion, Budget 2026 will provide very significant supports to farmers, fishers and foresters. I am determined to protect and grow Ireland’s agri-food sector and the significant contribution it makes to our rural and national economy.

Supporting young farmers and facilitating generational renewal is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector. Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. The Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established to examine these issues. 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.

Budget 2026 takes the first steps towards addressing the Commission’s recommendations. The Budget ensures that a number of critical taxation measures remain in place, for example Agricultural Relief which facilitates succession and the intergenerational transfer of farms. This important relief delivers approximately €230 million annually in tax supports to farm families.

The 100% Young Trained Farmer Stamp Duty Relief is another vital support for young farmers, valued at around €20 million annually. In line with the Commission’s recommendation to bring more certainty to succession planning, the relief will be extended by four years instead of the normal three years for such measures. Farm Restructuring (CGT) relief and the complementary Stamp Duty for Farm Consolidation relief were also renewed for four years.

An implementation team in my Department will now work on the remaining recommendations of the Commission. While some recommendations are for consideration in the context of the next CAP, it is hoped that others can be progressed in a shorter timeframe.

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