DAFM launches survey for 'forgotten farmers'

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has launched a survey to inform a scheme to support long established young farmers, commonly referred to as "forgotten farmers".

This is a group of farmers who had set up in farming before 2008, were under the age of 40 in 2015, held no or low value payment entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

They were also not eligible for young farmer supports under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) from 2015 due to the date they had first set up in agriculture.

As part of Budget 2025, the department was allocated €5 million to provide support to the forgotten farmers group.

DAFM said that a key first step in this process is to launch the online survey to assist in determining the number of farmers who meet the long-standing criteria for forgotten farmers.

The online survey will allow individuals who meet these criteria to register their interest with the department.

The online survey, in preparation for the scheme to support long established young farmers, can be accessed at Agfood.ie and will remain open until Friday, May 30, 2025.

In order to complete the survey questions, farmers must meet the following criteria:

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  • Have submitted a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application under a herd number on which you are included in the year the proposed scheme will operate;
  • Have submitted an application under the BPS in 2015 under the herd number on which you are included;
  • Be aged no more than 40 in 2015;
  • Have set up as the head of an agricultural holding for the first time on or before December 31, 2007;
  • Have successfully completed a recognised agricultural education course at FETAC Level 6 or equivalent by May 29, 2015;
  • Did not previously benefit under the Young Farmer Installation Aid Scheme (Installation Aid);
  • Did not benefit under the BPS National Reserve, including allocations under the Scottish Derogation.

The department noted that the survey does not constitute an application for payment under a scheme to support long established young farmers or oblige the department to determine eligibility or make payment to individuals who complete and submit the survey.

Further details, including a guide to completing the online survey are available on the department’s website.

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