A new farm succession service has been launched for farm families in Munster.

Ballyhoura Development CLG launched its farm succession and generational renewal service 'Farm Forward' at Tory Hill Farm in Croom, Co Limerick last Friday 31 October.

Ballyhoura Development is a community-led local development company and registered charity that works with communities, families, individuals and businesses in the Ballyhoura region of east Limerick and north Cork.

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The initiative has been developed to support farmers, farm families and future farmers in planning for succession, diversification, and long-term sustainability on family farms.

To access the service, farmers can arrange an appointment at any of Ballyhoura Development’s offices in Kilfinane, Kilmallock, Mitchelstown, Charleville, and Cappamore. Meetings can also take place at neutral venues online via Zoom or Teams.

Alongside succession planning, Farm Forward will also support farm diversification pathways and establish a Ballyhoura Farmers Health & Wellbeing Network to strengthen community and peer support.

The Farm Forward project is part of the European Innovative Partnerships (EIP) initiative co-funded by the European Commission and the Irish Government under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027.

Tory Hill Farm represents three generations of women living, working, and farming side by side – a living example of the values at the heart of the Farm Forward programme: continuity, legacy, and shared future planning.

The new service was officially launched by Cllr Ian Doyle Deputy Mayor of Cork County Council and will be led by Carrie O’Donoghue, Ballyhoura Development CLG Farm Succession & Generational Renewal Coach, who will work directly with farm families through confidential, one-to-one supports.

“I believe this service will meet each person where they are and lead them step by step towards achieving peace of mind, knowing they have a succession plan in place – or have at least started the conversation,” said Carrie O’Donoghue at the launch. “I am excited to assist farmers with this process and, in the coming years, support them in areas such as farm diversification and the health and wellbeing benefits of being part of a connected network of active and retired farmers.”