Young farmers: an endangered species?
There has been much talk in recent months about the scarcity of young people going into farming in Ireland. The reality, it seems, is that fewer and fewer of the younger generations view farming as a viable career choice. And to be fair to them, they have good reason to be cynical. Those of us involved in farming know all too well that the work we do - despite being physically, emotionally and mentally demanding - is not often highly profitable. Indeed, it seems that farmers in almost every sector are struggling to make ends meet of late. We can hardly wonder if our sons and daughters view the university or apprenticeship options as preferable alternatives to a life on the land.
Incentives in place for young farmers
That being said, there are some reasonable incentives for young farmers in place under CAP 2023-2027. In particular, I am thinking of the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CISYF), which is now open for applications. This new scheme is open to farmers under the age of 40 who have an NFQ Level 6 qualification in an agriculture-related sector. For most applicants, this will probably mean that possession of a Green Cert is essential. However, since the payments are fairly lucrative, it may well be worth the time and effort required to gain the qualification.
The idea behind the payments is to provide a support for younger farmers that will help them to succeed in the business of agriculture during a difficult period for the sector. Payments take place over 5 years, and the scheme is essentially the successor to the Young Farmers Scheme.
Farmers who are currently receiving the Young Farmers Scheme payments can transfer over to the new scheme for the remainder of their term of eligibility.
Am I eligible?
There is quite a long list of eligibility criteria for this programme. For instance, in order to be deemed eligible to receive payments under the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers, you must:
- Have completed and submitted a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) scheme application, under a Herd Number that is in your own name or held jointly by you. You must also hold at least 1 payment pertaining to this scheme, and be entitled to further payments under BISS.
- Be 40 years old or younger during the calendar year for which your application has been submitted.
- Be in the process of setting up a holding, as head of that holding or jointly; or have done so in the five years prior to the submission of your application for the Complementary Support for Young Farmers scheme.
- Have completed a recognised course of training and education in the field of agriculture at NFQ Level 6 or higher.
How can I apply?
First time applicants should apply online via iNet. Those farmers in receipt of the Young Farmer Scheme payment, but who wish to transfer across to this scheme for the remainder of their period of eligibility, should state their intention to do so on their online BISS application for 2023. All applications must be completed and submitted by the 29th of May, 2023.
In order to gain detailed information on how to complete the application, all applicants are advised to visit the relevant page on the DAFM website.
What is the scheme worth?
The payments on this scheme are made per eligible hectare of land on the holding, but this is subject to a maximum of 50 hectares. According to DAFM, young farmers can expect payments to average approximately €175 per hectare over the course of the 5 year scheme.
