Next generation welcome leasing boost

The biggest farming welcome for Tuesday’s Budget came from the next generation — with Macra President, Kieran O’Dowd, unreservedly welcoming measures to encourage better access to land for young farmers.

He said the increased tax free thresholds for long-term leases for lessors of any age will help increase long term leasing from the 6,250 leases for which tax relief is claimed, compared to nearly 40,000 conacre or yearly rental arrangements.

He said yearly arrangements were not a sustainable basis for young farmers to establish and grow their business. “Short-term land rental is causing a major barrier for the progression of Irish farming, therefore incentives that encourage long-term leases will favour the active use of the land and support active young farmers to grow their farm business.”