The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) is seeking a farm succession scheme in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

It has called for a meaningful scheme with a series of targeted interventions for both retiring farmers and new entrants in order to encourage farm transfers.

"This may include a tiered payment structure, with top-ups and increased grant thresholds offered to young farmers until they reach 40 years of age (regardless of how many years they have been farming)," the IFA said.

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It is seeking investment support for farmers setting up a farm as head of the holding and to extend the period of additional grant aid support for young farmers beyond the current five years from the date of first establishment to 10 years, or initiate a five-year term from the date of first supported investment.

The association has said the group of farmers known as forgotten farmers should be eligible to apply for the next young farmers scheme and the national reserve.

It said funding for this does not necessarily have to come from CAP funds - instead, it should be funded by the national exchequer.

Greater access to grant funding for female farmers should be provided in the next CAP to "support continued and increased participation", it added.