Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon received the final report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming last Friday, which was around two months after the group was due to deliver its report. However, the minister has said that the report and the policy recommendations it contains will remain under wraps until he himself has had the time to read it in its entirety.

Minister Heydon declined to comment on the report’s findings and policy recommendations to the Irish Farmers Journal on Monday when the 2025 National Ploughing Championships was launched in Screggan, Co Offaly.

“As I explained to the farm organisations that I met this morning with the Tánaiste, I received that report last Friday evening, so I finally have it now,” the minister stated.

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“It a comprehensive report, very detailed, and I need a bit of time to consider it. There is a lot in it. This isn’t just a matter for me, it is a matter for all of us to work together to see what are the causes and potential interventions that can be taken in the space of generational renewal. I look forward to publishing that report in the near future.”

Expectations are high for a farm succession scheme to emerge from the commission, which was established by then Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue last October.

Pre-general election promises from the leaders of both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael committed to a farm succession if their respective parties were returned to Government.