New grant scheme for collaborative farming

A new grant scheme — providing financial support for collaborative farming initiatives — was launched yesterday by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

The scheme will be funded under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme and co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. It will cover some of the costs of farmers who wish to combine their enterprises and form partnerships.

Mr Coveney said the benefits from such collaboration include improved work and life balance, greater efficiency, addressing land mobility and, most importantly, facilitating smoother inter-generational succession.