Retirement and land transfer scheme may go

WITH only about 300 applications to the Early Retirement Scheme expected this year, the industry could be on the verge of losing the scheme which has successfully transferred thousands of acres into the hands of young farmers.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan has not ruled out ending the incentive for the transfer or lease of farmland to qualified younger farmer, by farmers of 56 years and over who are eligible for the retirement pension.

Gerard Gunning, Executive Secretary of IFA’s National Rural Development Committee has confirmed that the Association is concerned that the scheme is under threat, “despite the need for ongoing restructuring measures within agriculture”.