The genie is out of the bottle – ICSA

The genie is out of the bottle now and the Department must guarantee that any farmer who transfers his farm will qualify for this new scheme, Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) president Edmond Phelan told the Irish Farmers Journal.

“The clock is ticking. I have land that I would like to transfer over to my son but I won’t go ahead until we are sure we will qualify for the scheme.”

The ICSA president said the industry needs new blood, with young farmers bringing new strength and ideas. “A succession package is an excellent idea. I’m slowing down now with age and would like to pass the tradition on to the next generation.”

Young people will bring a greater farm income – IFA

The IFA welcomes the possibility of a farm retirement and succession scheme which will bring younger people into the agricultural sector, farm business chair Rose Mary McDonagh told the Irish Farmers Journal. “Anything that will help increase farm income is a good thing and a functioning farm retirement and succession scheme will aid this. Young people bring new ideas and aspirations to the farm and help to push production.”

The IFA has said in order for a scheme of this nature to function, a number of proposals must be met. McDonagh explained: “Young Trained Farmer Stamp Duty Relief should be fully removed from State aid or the ceiling be increased, to allow for greater land mobility, encourage land transfer and develop economically viable farm units.”

Age profile of farming needs to be improved – ICMSA

Farm policy must include an exit strategy for those retiring along, with incentives for the young farmers entering the industry, Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) farm and rural affairs chair Denis Drennan said.

The ICMSA claims the suggestion that the payment will only be payable from the normal retirement age in a particular member state would be a step backwards and should be available once a farmer reaches 60 years of age.

“With the average age of farmer in Ireland at 58, it is quite clear that the age profile of farming needs to be improved to ensure its long-term sustainability and as part of CAP post-2020,” Drennan concluded.

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