A Fine Gael Senator has said that Ireland’s family farms are “an absolute priority” in the new draft programme for government.
Senator Aisling Dolan, a candidate for the agricultural panel in the upcoming Seanad elections, said that the document published this week “aims to tackle challenges in agriculture sector head-on and deliver for farmers”.
The Roscommon Galway representative said that “farmers are the backbone of this country”.
“They are world-class producers, guardians of our landscapes, and the lifeblood of our rural economy.
“This programme for government demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering them to meet today’s challenges while preparing for the future,” she said.
Family farms
Senator Dolan cited some of the ambitions for the new government when it comes to family farms.
“Over the next five years, we’re ramping up supports for suckler and sheep farmers, putting Irish Grass Fed beef on the map as a global premium brand, and creating an Irish wool brand to unlock the value of this incredible natural resource
“These are investments in rural Ireland that will deliver real results,” she said.
Senator Dolan said that tillage farmers “are getting a major boost too, with big investments in facilities to process crops like oilseed and milling wheat”.
“Dairy farmers will see increased support for the Dairy Beef Scheme, alongside an expanded Dairy Calf to Beef action plan to drive sustainable, profitable systems,” she added.
The senator said that protecting Ireland’s nitrates derogation is “a top priority”.
“Our grass-based production model is unlike anywhere else in Europe, and we will use new innovative means to help farmers meet these goals,” she said.
Dolan noted with Ireland taking over the EU presidency in 2026, “we’ll lead the charge for a stronger, better-funded Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that works for farmers”.
“Simplifying payments, cutting red tape, and building flexibility into schemes will be at the heart of our efforts for farming families right across the country,” she said.
Closer to home, Dolan said the next government will “revamp the Farm Succession Scheme, expand key tax reliefs, provide supports for women in farming and create new financing options to help young farmers drive the sector forward”.