Tirlán has launched a new generational renewal programme, backed by a €15m fund aimed at supporting new entrants, family successors and those taking on additional units.

In terms of financial supports, the programme offers up to €50,000 in cashflow supports for new entrants over a three-year period.

New entrants will receive a 2c/l bonus on all milk for three years up to a maximum of €50,000. However, the new entrant must own more than 75% of the milk supply entity.

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They can also avail of a feed rebate of €30/t on GAIN dairy feed for 18 months. Tirlán has said that a number of terms apply to this support, including a reasonable usage limit.

Successors

Family successors, under the programme, are entitled to a 2c/l milk pre-payment for two years, up to a maximum of €50,000, repayable in years four and five.

Those seeking additional units will receive a 2c/l milk pre-payment for two years up to a maximum of €30,000, repayable in years four and five. This bonus is confined to units which were previously supplying Tirlán.

Shares

New entrants and family successors will be offered the opportunity to purchase 1,000 shares in Tirlán Co-op, with flexible payment options

In terms of knowledge transfer, a three-day course combining classroom learning and on-farm visits, delivered in partnership with partners including Teagasc, ifac, Grasstec is also part of the new programme.

Other perks of the programme for new entrants include free herd health and disease screening for the first three years, access to the calf-to-beef initiative, Twenty20 Beef Club and dedicated milk solids growth advisors.

Retiring suppliers can maintain their co-op membership and receive support through partnerships like the Land Mobility Service.

Launching the generational renewal programme in Kildalton College on Thursday Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said that supporting young farmers and facilitating generation renewal is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri sector and to continue the family story behind Irish food and drinks production which is uniquely appealing to consumers all over the world.

"I will ensure that we progress the recommendations of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming, in consultation with stakeholders, to ensure that we can attract and retain the next generation of farmers to ensure the agri food sector remains vibrant and sustainable into the future," he added.

Speaking at the launch, chair of Tirlán John Murphy said that farming faces a generational crossroads.

"The need for renewal within our sector has never been more urgent, yet it is also a time filled with possibility. Agriculture offers a bright and promising future for today’s generation and those to come.

“Our vision for our co-op is clear – we want to create a thriving inter-generational community of farmers, where new entrants are welcomed, successors are empowered, and every member has a stake in our shared success," he said.

The dairy sector, Murphy added, needs the energy and ambition of youth and of new entrants to the sector.

Tirlán chief executive Seán Molloy added: “The programme is specifically designed to assist and support generational renewal with a package of financial and practical supports. Yet, the impact of this programme stretches far beyond the numbers. By supporting a new generation as they take on stewardship of the land, we help secure stable milk supply, maintain operational efficiency and ensure our co-op remains strong, profitable, and resilient."