The top barriers to succession were identified as the long-term viability of the farm business and the appeal of farming to the next generation as a career.
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This week’s ifac 2026 Irish farm report summarises the views of 1,011 ifac clients across a number of farm sectors. Lorcan Roche-Kelly goes into the detail of the report on p22-23.
The fact that 25% of the respondents to the survey were aged over 65 and just 15% were aged between 35 and 44 paints its own picture on farm succession.
The report demonstrates the resilience of the sector, and despite challenges around input prices and concern around increasing rules and regulations in farming, over 60% of farmers report a positive outlook.
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A stark figure within the report is that 40% of farmers surveyed don’t have a formal successor, with 20% of farmers having no successor at all.
The top barriers to succession were identified as the long-term viability of the farm business and the appeal of farming to the next generation as a career. Waiting on the next round of CAP funding is too late to implement the recommendations from the Commission on Generational Renewal.
The Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon must act now to stem the flow of youth from all sectors and take action to encourage the next generation to choose farming as a career.
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This week’s ifac 2026 Irish farm report summarises the views of 1,011 ifac clients across a number of farm sectors. Lorcan Roche-Kelly goes into the detail of the report on p22-23.
The fact that 25% of the respondents to the survey were aged over 65 and just 15% were aged between 35 and 44 paints its own picture on farm succession.
The report demonstrates the resilience of the sector, and despite challenges around input prices and concern around increasing rules and regulations in farming, over 60% of farmers report a positive outlook.
A stark figure within the report is that 40% of farmers surveyed don’t have a formal successor, with 20% of farmers having no successor at all.
The top barriers to succession were identified as the long-term viability of the farm business and the appeal of farming to the next generation as a career. Waiting on the next round of CAP funding is too late to implement the recommendations from the Commission on Generational Renewal.
The Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon must act now to stem the flow of youth from all sectors and take action to encourage the next generation to choose farming as a career.
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