Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 July 2008
544 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to continue to offer a range of supports to young farmers entering agriculture, including education, taxation measures and direct start-up aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28598/08]
View answerA significant number of measures are in place to encourage the entry of young people in farming. These measures are aimed at supporting the early transfer of farms and relieving set-up costs. They include:
The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme introduced in June 2007 which provides a grant of €15,000 for young trained farmers (57% higher than previous rate);
100% stamp duty relief on transfers of agricultural land and buildings to young trained farmers;
100% stamp duty relief on land purchased by young trained farmers;
100% stock relief for four years for young trained farmers;
90% agricultural relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax;
New entrants to farming may also benefit from the National Reserve measures within the Single Payment Scheme, which includes a category that allocates entitlements to new entrants.
In addition, Teagasc runs a series of training and educational schemes targeted specifically at young farmers.
