Vol. 512 No. 5
30 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the measures, if any, his Department will introduce in 2000 to assist young farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26462/99]
I recognise the fundamental role of young farmers in securing the future of the agriculture sector and maintaining a viable rural population. Consequently, the National Development Plan 2000-2006 launched last month provides for a range of measures which will assist young farmers embarking on their farming career. These include the continuation of the scheme of installation aid to encourage the taking over of farms by younger farmers and assisting young farmers as they first set up in farming.
Provision for a development programme for young farmers is also made in the national development plan. While the detailed terms and conditions of this new Programme are still under consideration, I am confident that it will facilitate the consolidation of a strong core of confident young farmers.
Arising from the Agenda 2000 agreement, a special provision of 5 million gallons of milk quota is being set aside for young farmers and it is envisaged that this will be allocated in April 2000.
The early retirement scheme, which has been extremely successful since its introduction in 1994, will continue in the coming years and some £565 million has been provided for the measure in the period 2000-06. More than 9,000 farmers have participated in the measure since its inception and the Scheme has had an important role in facilitating young farmers to take over farms.
The proposed measures and improvements are in addition to current measures and these are being continued beyond the year 2000. Tax incentives are already in place aimed at reducing the cost of ownership transfer for young farmers. Priority will continue to be given to young farmers in the allocation of suckler and ewe premium quota rights from the national reserve.
I have recently announced the formation of a task force to review agricultural education and training. Its terms of reference are to review agricultural education and training in the context of the changing economic and social environment and to make recommendations to address those needs. I expect the task force will have completed its work early in the new year and its findings should further benefit young farmers.
Significantly, the Agri-Food Strategy Committee 2010, which I have established to critically plan for the development of the agricultural industry, will examine all aspects, including the issue of land mobility which will directly affect young farmers in the year 2000 and beyond.
