Tirlán launch €15m Generational Renewal Programme for next generation of farmers
(Left to right) Frank Tobin, chief investment and strategy officer at Tirlán, John Murphy, Tirlán chairperson, minister for agriculture, food and the marine, Martin Heydon, Seán Molloy, chief executive officer at Tirlán and Lisa Koep, chief ESG officer Tirlán. Photo: Dylan Vaughan
A new Generational Renewal Programme, backed by a €15m support package, was recently launched by Tirlán.
The initiative, unveiled in Teagasc Kildalton Agricultural College, contains a number of measures designed to assist and support those taking over dairy farms in the Tirlán catchment area, including new entrants, family successors and those taking on additional units.
Launching the new programme, minister for agriculture, Martin Heydon, said: “Supporting young farmers and facilitating generation renewal is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-sector and to continue the family story behind Irish food and drinks production, which is uniquely appealing to consumers all over the world.
"I will ensure that we progress the recommendations of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming, in consultation with stakeholders, to ensure that we can attract and retain the next generation of farmers to ensure the agri-food sector remains vibrant and sustainable into the future.”
The programme will provide financial support with up to €50,000 available to new entrants over three years. New entrants will receive a 2cpl bonus paid on all milk pre-payment for two years, repayable in years four and five.
Family successors and additional units applicants can receive a 2cpl milk prepayment cash flow support for two years, also repayable in years four and five. Family successor applicants have a maximum prepayment of €50,000 over two years.
Additional units applicants have a maximum prepayment of €30,000 over the two years. These supports are confined to units which previously supplied Tirlán or greenfield sites owned by Tirlán members.
The new programme will provide new entrants and family successors the opportunity to buy 1,000 shares in Tirlán Co-op with flexible payment options.
A three-day dairy development programme combining classroom learning and on-farm visits, delivered in partnership with Teagasc, IFAC, Grasstec, and others for participating entrants. The new programme will also provide farm advisory and support services.
Among the services there is €30/t GAIN dairy feed rebate for new entrants’ first 18 months in milk production, free herd health and disease screening for the first three years, preferential access to the calf-to-beef initiative, Twenty20 Beef Club and dedicated milk solids growth advisors.
Retiring suppliers will also receive ongoing co-op membership, recognition and support through partnerships like the Land Mobility Service.
Tirlán chairperson, John Murphy, said: “Across Ireland and around the world, farming faces a generational crossroads. The need for renewal within our sector has never been more urgent, yet it is also a time filled with possibility.
"Our vision for our co-op is clear – we want to create a thriving inter-generational community of farmers, where new entrants are welcomed, successors are empowered, and every member has a stake in our shared success.”
Tirlán chief executive Seán Molloy added: “The programme is specifically designed to assist and support generational renewal with a package of financial and practical supports. Yet, the impact of this programme stretches far beyond the numbers.
"By supporting a new generation as they take on stewardship of the land, we help secure stable milk supply, maintain operational efficiency and ensure our co-op remains strong, profitable, and resilient. A vibrant, thriving multi-generational co-op membership benefits every member today and into the future.”
