Commission to review generational renewal
One As Generational Current Renewal Cites Nine (cap) Agricultural Its Objectives Policy Key Mon The Of
A industry-led working group has been tasked with taking an "objective, evidence-based approach" to examining all the complex factors involved in farm succession.
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue this week announced the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming will be chaired by Ornua chairman Aidan O'Driscoll
Mr O’Driscoll previously chaired the Commission on the Defence Forces and is also the former secretary-general of the Departments of Justice and Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Commenting on the launch of the body, Minister McConalogue said: “Young people are central to the continuation of a vibrant and sustainable farm sector in Ireland.
"While we have already put in place an unprecedented range of supports for young farmers, we need to consider whether those measures are having the desired effect, and how supports might best be configured for the future.
"The family farm is the heart of agriculture in Ireland, and I am a strong supporter of assisting the next generation to take over the farm when the time is right to do so."
The current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) cites generational renewal as one of its nine key objectives. And under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, there is substantial investment earmarked to target the issue.
Minister McConalogue added: “It is expected that the European Commission will publish its proposals for a post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy during 2025.
"Therefore, this is an appropriate time to consider whether the framework currently in place provides appropriate support to young farmers thinking of entering the sector and effectively encourages generational renewal. I have asked Aidan to ensure that the Commission engages closely with stakeholders, including all the main farming organisations, business representatives and relevant public sector bodies.
"Following these discussions and the expert deliberation of the committee, a report on options will be compiled and submitted as part of the Food Vision 2030 process before the end of Quarter 2, 2025. This will ensure that we have an objective analysis of the issue in advance of preparations for the next CAP.”
Other members of the commission will include:
- Professor Thia Hennessy, Head of the College of Business and Law at UCC with specialist expertise in the economic performance of the agri-food sector;
- Dr Emma Dillon, Economist and Senior Research Officer with the Teagasc, currently leading research on generational renewal and the development of new metrics for social sustainability across farm systems;
- Aisling Meehan, qualified solicitor, tax consultant, farmer and member of Women in Agriculture Working Group;
- Thomas Duffy, dairy farmer, former President of Macra na Feirme, former Vice President of the European Young Farmers Association, and current independent chair of the Teagasc Signpost Steering Committee;
- Trevor Boland, Accountant, currently farming a Teagasc Signpost Beef Farm in a Registered Farm Partnership;
- Seán Bell, Chief Economist, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
