Young Irish farmers: An endangered species
Agriculture minister Martin Heydon speaking to the press on the second day at the 2025 National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Co Offaly. Picture: Dan Linehan
The alarm has been sounded on the decline of young farmers across Ireland by Macra national president Josephine O’Neill.
“Looking at the statistics, 4.3% of farmers are under the age of 35 — our young farmers are an endangered species. We need support, we need action, and we need a commitment so that our young farmers have certainty and have a future,” Ms O’Neil told the .
The Macra president warned with the declining number of young farmers across Ireland, the future of Irish agriculture and rural life depends on reversing the downward trend.
“The average age of Irish farmers continues to rise, yet across the country, we meet young men and women who want nothing more than to build a life on the land. The problem is not a lack of ambition — it is the barriers that stand in their way,” she said.
Ms O’Neill pointed to the challenges faced by young people who want to farm. A lack of access to land, high prices, and limited availability, combined with difficulties in securing finance, make entry into the sector nearly impossible.
Uncertainty around succession delays opportunities for the next generation, and insufficient policy support leaves many unable to compete or innovate.
Agriculture minister Martin Heydon published the report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming this week. The programme for government prioritises supporting inter-generational farm succession.
Despite support within the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, the age demographic of the sector is not improving. The Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established to examine these issues and propose solutions.
Publishing the report, Mr Heydon said: “Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. That is why the commission was established, and they have produced a thorough analysis and made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas…
"An implementation group within my department will now carefully consider these recommendations and will engage with agricultural stakeholders and the relevant public bodies.”
Among the recommendations are three in particular that Macra has championed:
- A young farmers establishment fund of €25,000, to give young people the chance to set up viable, sustainable farm enterprises;
- A generational renewal payment of €25,000, to support the older generation when at least 90% of farm assets are transferred, providing real encouragement for succession;
- Funding for a national land mobility service, which Macra says is not a major leap, as Macra’s Land Mobility Service has been established and calling on funding for years.
In response to the report, Macra's Land Mobility Service said the delivery and funding of proven solutions would be critical to ensure farming’s future.
Service manager Patrick Brady said: “There’s no need for the Government to reinvent the wheel. We have the service, it works, it works very well, just fund it.
“Today’s report must not gather dust,” he concluded. “Farmers, young and old, need certainty. The solution is in front of us — now is the time to deliver.”
In response to the publication, Ms O’Neill welcomed the report, saying it was a “positive and necessary step”, but said delivery on promises was critical for young farmers.
“We welcome this report with real hope, but also with real caution. Farmers across Ireland have seen reports before that never came to life. If these measures are not implemented in full, it will be yet another missed opportunity — and our sector cannot afford that. Delivery is what matters now,” she said.
Ms O’Neill called for the Government and the Department of Agriculture to act swiftly and act on the suggestions in the report.
