The current Installation Aid Scheme applies to farmers set up for the first time in farming on or before 31 December 2006. By virtue of the terms of that Scheme, applicants born before 1 January 1975 must have, at the date of set-up or within two years of that date, a minimum of three years' experience in farming and have satisfactorily completed approved courses of training in farming of a minimum duration of 180 hours. Applicants engaged in certain specialized enterprises (e.g. mushrooms, nursery stock) may be required to complete an additional 60 hours training in that particular enterprise.
Applicants set up in farming on or after 1 January 2007 will be eligible to apply for grant-aid under the proposed new Young Farmers' Installation Scheme which will be introduced as soon as EU approval is received for the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme.