Breakthrough for "old-young" farmers

National Reserve applications will open in early April for the “old-young” farmers who established their holdings in 2008 and 2009, and who have missed out on both the Young Farmer Installation Scheme, and the new National Reserve priority category for farmers aged under 40, who commenced since 2010.

The European Commission has responded positively to the Irish government’s case that “old-young” farmers be categorised as a ‘specific disadvantage’ group, qualifying for access to the National Reserve.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has confirmed they can apply under the second phase of the National Reserve to be given new entitlements, or a top-up on the value of existing entitlements.