Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
136. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 363 of 14 November 2023, if the five-year requirement under the definition of a young farmer, as set by the Government, can be amended within the lifetime of the current scheme and current CAP; if there are plans to amend the definition for future equivalent schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51361/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Regulations governing the operation of young farmer support schemes since 2015 set out that the purpose of the schemes is to provide an income support to young farmers commencing their agricultural activities and after the initial setting-up. The support should only cover the initial period of life of the business and should be granted for a maximum duration shortly after the initial setting up.
In line with these EU Regulations and to maintain consistency with the definition of a young farmer under the CAP from 2015 to 2022, Ireland opted to require eligible young farmers under the CAP 2023 to 2027 to have set up a holding as head of holding, solely or jointly, for the first time or have set up such a holding in the five years preceding the first application for support.
The young farmer definition under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan applies to young farmer support schemes under the CAP from 2022 to 2027. There are no plans to amend this definition for the duration of the current CAP up to 2027.
