Brendan Griffin
Question:2141. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he plans to introduce a new farm retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41188/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 July 2022
Questions (2141)
Written answers
The challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised both at national and EU level. There are challenges both for younger farmers becoming established and older farmers having concerns about future income, taxation, the suitability of collaborators and the retirement process itself.
The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) cites generational renewal as one of its nine key objectives, while it is also prominent in Food Vision 2030, the new stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector. Food Vision proposes a number of actions, including maintaining the strong level of current support; the promotion of land mobility and succession planning; and increased education & promotion of the diversity of careers in the agri-food sector.
This reflects the need for skilled and innovative young farmers to respond to societal demands for quality food and environmental public goods. Supporting younger and older farmers therefore remains a key policy objective.
Given this, as the Deputy may be aware, there are a range of measures in place at present – both in the existing CAP and at national level – that support younger farmers and facilitate generational renewal. Under the current CAP, this includes the Young Farmers Scheme, the National Reserve, the TAMS II Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme and support to establish Collaborative Farming arrangements. Further assistance is available from national supports including through taxation measures such as the Agricultural Relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax, Stamp Duty exemptions, Stock Relief and Long-Term Leasing Relief, as well as the availability of tax credits via the Succession Farm Partnerships. Such interventions, which are available to all sectors, provide vital supports to young farmers in setting up their enterprises and older farmers wishing to retire.
Ireland’s draft CAP Strategic Plan proposals reaffirm our commitment to generational renewal, with a number of proposals currently under review by the European Commission. This includes a new initiative to support advice for older farmers on succession and retirement options.
I want to ensure that the agri-food sector remain strong and sustainable into the future, and will continue to engage with stakeholders to find the best approaches to support young farmers to ensure a bright future for the sector.