The significant reshaping of agricultural policy and policies that influence the farming sector during this past year has given rise to much discussion on what Irish farming will look like into the future.

We are now in a period of significant change with the over-riding focus, for now at least, on that of environmental sustainability.

Key to delivering on emissions reductions targets between now and 2030 will be the adoption of technologies and new farming practices.

In the coming decade, change will be the order of the day and together with some financial investment, farmers will need to invest their time and effort in adapting.

Demographic shift

Examining the recently published census of Irish agriculture, it paints a picture of an ageing sector that is continuing to consolidate. This poses some challenges for the future.

The number of farm holdings has fallen by 3% in the past decade, with consolidation seen across most sectors with scale increasing, particularly in dairying.

One third of all Irish farmers are now over 65 years old, which has increased from just over one quarter in 2010.

While it is positive to see that the proportion of farmers under 35 year has increased by 1% to 7%, overall the proportion of farmers under 44 years of age has fallen by 4% to 20%.

Challenges

Looking to the decade ahead, the demographics of the sector pose two main challenges.

Firstly, the increased proportion of farmers over 65 years may be a challenge in driving the type and pace of change that will be required to deliver the necessary emissions reductions.

Engaging this cohort of farmers in adopting new technologies and new farming practices in general will likely be more challenging.

Arguably, this group of farmers has invested in considerable change throughout their farming careers and it would be understandable if they were less motivated and less engaged in the process of emissions reductions.

Achieving emissions reductions among this cohort of farmers may be more challenging and may necessitate some differences in approach.

The sector needs to be able to provide an attractive career option

The second challenge is how attractive farming is today and may be in the next decade to those considering a career in farming.

The sector needs to be able to provide an attractive career option, which financially rewards those entering at all stages of their career.

Any young person setting out on their career path needs energy, vitality and opportunity and this must be evident in farming. The removal of dairy quotas and the subsequent growth of the dairy sector in particular provided this over the past decade.

Those looking to a career in the sector will want to a career in which they can take pride and where there is a reasonable degree of respect.

Blaming and shaming farmers for the emissions that have resulted from livestock production does nothing to enhance the attractiveness of the sector to the young talent that is needed for the future.

Getting the right mix

Reducing emissions at farm level and implementing the depth of change that will be asked of farming systems demands young blood.

A healthy mix of youth and experience is essential for any business to thrive and is key in the success of significant programmed of change. Farming is no different.

The age-old quandary of how to motivate those over the age of 65 to transfer production to younger farmers remains.

However, the added complexities of attracting talent into the sector in the new environment should not be underestimated and may need a fresh approach.