Macra na Feirme, the young farmer organisation, has commented that a potential retirement scheme for the dairy sector could result in higher numbers of active young farmers.
“For a number of years, Macra na Feirme has highlighted that a retirement scheme is needed across all the farming sectors to ensure financial security for the farmer who is stepping back – but also that the necessary supports are in place to allow a young person to take on the responsibility of running the farming enterprise,” it said.
The association said that in the event that a retirement scheme is rolled out, it should be adequately funded. This would ensure that farming businesses enable a young person to take on the venture, develop it and grow it – which would be essential to provide a workable income and good quality of life.
Macra na Feirme added that ensuring that land and resources are made available to young people is integral to continue food production on Irish farms.
“We currently have about 6% of farmers under the age of 35. In any other sector, be that teachers, nurses and doctors – if only 6% of the workforce were under 35, drastic action would be taken and significant resources invested,” John Keane, president of Macra Na Feirme said. “Farming should be no different and an entire suite of measures are needed to grow the figure from 6%,” he concluded.