The closing date for public submissions to the Commission on Generational Renewal on Farming will fall next week.
The seven-member group, led by chair of Ornua, Aidan O’Driscoll, has been tasked by the government with assessing all issues relating to generational renewal and producing a report which is due to be submitted before the end of June 2025.
The commission will examine the current policy framework, along with available policy tools and supports available to encourage young people into the sector.
All submissions, which must be sent to the commission via email by 4:00p.m on January 31, 2025, should include a short summary of not more than 300 words setting out the main points.
Submissions from organisations or groups should include a brief background on the membership, aims and objectives of that organisation or group.
According to the commission, only 7% of the farmers currently in Ireland are under 35 years of age, while over 30% of farmers are over 65.
Generational Renewal
Under the programme for government, there is a commitment to support inter-generational farm succession.
The new government has pledged to deliver a farm succession scheme and act on the recommendations of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming.
The eligibility criteria for the Farm Succession Partnership tax credit will be updated by revamping support and eligibility criteria.
A review of the eligibility criteria for the Succession Planning Advice Grant (SPAG) will also be undertaken to ensure better take-up.
The government said it will examine young farmers’ financing options, which entails targeted installation aid or low-interest loans.
The programme also states that the current array of key agricultural tax reliefs will continue, while farm transfers will be supported by reviewing the tax-free threshold for Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT).