New Munster land mobility service facilitator appointed

Cork farmer Emma Behan has been appointed to the role, working alongside Dairygold to guide farmers in future planning and succession

On the leased farm of John and Marie Lane, Carrigoon, Mallow, Co Cork, are Dairygold chairperson Pat Clancy; Niamh and James Maloney, along with their son Fionn, who is in a lease agreement for the farm; newly appointed Munster-based land mobility service facilitator Emma Behan; Dairygold chief executive Michael Harte; Dairygold milk supply and farm succession manager Paul O’Connell and Land Mobility Service programme manager Patrick Brady. Picture: Clare Keogh

Cork farmer Emma Behan has been appointed the new land mobility service facilitator for the Munster region.

Ms Behan’s appointment represents a further strengthening of the practical supports available to farmers as they plan for the future of their farm businesses, particularly in the areas of succession, land mobility and generational renewal.

Dairygold, which last year launched its succession support programme, Pathways, joined with the Land Mobility Service to highlight the level of support available to farm families.

The Land Mobility Service supports the matching of landowners with farmers seeking land, encouraging arrangements such as leasing, partnerships, and share farming.

Ms Behan brings significant agricultural experience to the role, having grown up on her family’s dairy farm in Co Kildare, and developed her career across the dairy and livestock sector, including with Progressive Genetics. She now farms in Co Cork, where she runs her own herd.

In her new role, Ms Behan will work closely with farmers to support structured, practical and family-centred discussions around succession and collaborative farming arrangements.

Ms Behan said: “I believe it is important that we continue to support and guide everyone involved in farming. Through the Land Mobility Service, there is real potential to secure the future of farming by matching people with the right opportunities and encouraging collaboration.” 

Ms Behan’s appointment comes at a critical time for Irish agriculture, as more farm families begin important conversations around succession and long-term planning.

Across Ireland, the average age of farm holders is now 59, underlining the importance of accessible, trusted advisory supports.