MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE Charlie McConalogue announced today his intention to form a new Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming. 

He made the announcement during the opening speech at today’s Tullamore Road Show in Co Offaly.

“Encouraging young people into agriculture is a global challenge.

“We have already put in place an unprecedented range of supports for young farmers, including support for farm partnerships, the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers, higher rates of grants for capital investment on farm, increased access to finance and significant agri taxation reliefs,” he said.

He said that the time had come for an “honest and absolutely objective look” at farm supports to determine whether they are appropriate to address the challenges facing the sector.

“Farm succession is a complex area and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. We need to properly assess this and consider whether there are any unintended barriers to entry for young people under the current regime.”

“We must ensure that we take the time now to properly prepare, with all of the necessary analysis and intelligence to ensure that the policy framework is as effective as it can be.”