Next Generation

IRISH hopes of boosting some sectors of farm output by up to 50% over the next decade would be greatly enhanced if farmers adopted a farm partnership model, according to Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and Teagasc are shortly to roll out a promotional drive to highlight the economic benefits of farm partnership, such as increased economies of scale, shared capital investment, removal of duplicate costs, and risk sharing. The big push will take place during the growing season early next year.

Some farmers are already there. They have already seen how sharing equipment, labour and responsibilities with a family member or neighbour can help them to reduce costs, improve succession and even enjoy a better social life.