A structured initiative aimed at generational renewal to secure the future of Irish farming has now officially been launched.

The RAISE Project (Renewal of Agriculture through Intergenerational Support & Empowerment) brings a people-focused approach to one of rural Ireland’s most pressing challenges, generational renewal in agriculture.

The three-year programme, which was first announced in March 2025, is co-funded by the European Union and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

A steering group of agri-sector stakeholders has been established (called the Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Council) - including: the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS); Teagasc; University College Cork (UCC); Macra; Aurivo; Dairygold; Lakeland Dairies; Tirlán; and three active farmer representatives - in a multi-stakeholder approach.

Over the next three years (May 2025–April 2027), RAISE will work to establish collaborative farming relationships between young and older farmers, underpinned by training, mentoring and a strong support network.

The project seeks not just to transfer land or knowledge, but to build legacies, preserve identities and ensure that Ireland’s farms remain vibrant, productive and family-centred for generations to come.

President of ICOS, Edward Carr said: “Across Ireland, farmers are ageing and while many young people aspire to work the land, they often find themselves locked out by limited access to land, resources or mentorship.

“The future of farming lies in connection, not just to the land but to one another. RAISE is about bridging the gap between generations and ensuring farming is something that people feel supported to enter and proud to pass on.”

Whether it is a young farmer searching for their first opportunity or an older farmer wondering who will walk the fields after them, RAISE aims to offer them a roadmap.

The initiative will be phased beginning with a needs assessment capturing the lived experiences, barriers and hopes of farmers.

Then, a comprehensive programme of training and capacity building will be rolled out, focusing not just on farm management, but on cooperative structures, communication and legacy building.

Mentorship programmes will pair seasoned farmers with potential new entrants. A Digital Resource Hub will centralise training modules, collaborative farming templates and real-world case studies.

Advisors and cooperative officers will be upskilled to act as facilitators, helping farming families navigate often sensitive succession conversations to help ensure generational renewal.

Community forums and awareness campaigns will also be designed to spark public dialogue and showcase the positive impact of collaboration.

Participating farmers will receive a range of advice and inputs including training, mentorship and engagement with advisors and cooperative specialists.

In its final phases, RAISE will move from training to practical action - offering guidance, building formal partnerships and opening pathways for farmers for the future.

Impact will be measured ensuring the lessons of the project are taken account of for further future action.

The programme is open to all cooperatives and farmers across the country.