Minister McConalogue establishes Commission on Generational Renewal
- Published on: 22 October 2024
- Last updated on: 20 December 2024
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, today confirmed arrangements for the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming. Mr. Aidan O’Driscoll will chair the Commission. Mr. O’Driscoll chaired the Commission on the Defence Forces, is the current chair of Ornua, and is also the former Secretary General of the Departments of Justice and Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Minister McConalogue said:
“Young people are central to the continuation of a vibrant and sustainable farm sector in Ireland. While we have already put in place an unprecedented range of supports for young farmers, we need to consider whether those measures are having the desired effect, and how supports might best be configured for the future. The family farm is the heart of agriculture in Ireland, and I am a strong supporter of assisting the next generation take over the farm when the time is right to do so.
"This is why I have asked Aidan O’Driscoll to chair a Commission, comprising a small group of people with relevant expertise and experience, to adopt an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the complex factors involved. I would also like to thank the members of the Commission for agreeing to commit to this important work. I would particularly like to thank Aidan for accepting this role and I am confident that under his leadership, we will get a full assessment of this crucial issue.”
The current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) cites generational renewal as one of its nine key objectives. Under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, there is substantial investment in achieving generational renewal.
Minister McConalogue continued:
“It is expected that the European Commission will publish its proposals for a post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy during 2025. Therefore, this is an appropriate time to consider whether the framework currently in place provides appropriate support to young farmers thinking of entering the sector and effectively encourages generational renewal.
"I have asked Aidan to ensure that the Commission engages closely with stakeholders, including all the main farming organisations, business representatives and relevant public sector bodies. Following these discussions and the expert deliberation of the committee, a report on options will be compiled and submitted as part of the Food Vision 2030 process before the end of Quarter 2, 2025. This will ensure that we have an objective analysis of the issue in advance of preparations for the next CAP.”
Notes
Members of the Commission
- Chair: Aidan O’Driscoll
- Professor Thia Hennessy, Head of the College of Business and Law at UCC with specialist expertise in the economic performance of the agri-food sector
- Dr. Emma Dillon, Economist and Senior Research Officer with the Teagasc, currently leading research on generational renewal and the development of new metrics for social sustainability across farm systems
- Aisling Meehan, qualified solicitor, tax consultant, farmer and member of Women in Agriculture Working Group
- Thomas Duffy, dairy farmer, former President of Macra na Feirme, former Vice President of European Young Farmers Association, current independent chair of Teagasc Signpost Steering Committee
- Trevor Boland, Accountant, currently farming a Teagasc Signpost Beef Farm in a Registered Farm Partnership
- Seán Bell, Chief Economist, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine