Late transfer of farms remains a problem

An analysis of the ages of farmers who applied to be treated as new entrants under the single farm payment scheme shows that the late transfer of farms is still a problem in Ireland.

Department of Agriculture figures show that 2,811 (40%) of the 6,844 farmers who applied for the new entrant scheme were over 40, with a further 2,551 between the ages of 30 and 40.

Macra na Feirme president Thomas Honner said this was an issue that must be addressed as many young people find themselves playing second fiddle on the family farm at a time in their lives when they are best placed to drive the business forward.