Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
949. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking to address land accessibility issues for young farmers, given that this is one of the largest barriers for young farmers, especially for those who are entering the activity from outside a family context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48398/23]
View answerAlthough taxation policy is primarily a matter for the Minister for Finance, I work closely with him to ensure that taxation policy supports the Government’s priorities for the agri-food sector.
Specifically on access to land and land mobility, long-term leasing income tax relief is a long-standing relief available for all landowners, including farmers, and is designed to encourage land mobility and longer-term leases, rather than conacre. Long-term leasing allows farmers to enlarge their farm holdings and increase productivity. It also:
• Allows young farmers and new entrants to the sector to gain access to land by providing a cheaper means of long-term access to land, as opposed to the relatively high cost of land purchase.
• Provides a route to retirement for older farmers, assisting in generational renewal.
• Provides security of tenure and the certainty required to encourage lessees to maintain and make investments in improving land.
• Is especially important in accessing bank credit (financial institutions generally match loan terms to lease duration, and longer duration allows for phased repayment on capital investment).
It also provides for better regulation of the land rental market.
In terms of uptake, latest figures show €34.3 million for 12,490 beneficiaries under the long-term leasing exemptions.
Ireland’s new CAP Strategic Plan provides support for collaborative farming, which also facilitates access to land for younger farmers.
In addition, my Department is also a supporter of the Land Mobility Service, which is an independent expert service focused on facilitating collaborative farming arrangements such as long-term leases, share farming and partnerships.
