More Ambitious Long-Established Young Farmer Scheme Needed

IFA Rural Development Chair John Curran has called on Minister Heydon to deliver a more ambitious Long-Established Young Farmers scheme.

“After years in the making and countless political promises to finally support ‘forgotten farmers’, we’ve a scheme on the table that falls far short of expectations and will again exclude many farmers from necessary support. Our regional offices are getting calls daily from frustrated farmers, with complaints over those excluded; the short window to apply; and small potential payment etc.”

“We’ve looked for a meeting with the Minister to try get some resolution here. Our view is clear. Commitments made in Budget 2025 for increased funding allocations will need to be honoured. A more ambitious Long Established Young Farmer scheme has to be delivered that caters for all eligible farmers, including those starting out in 2008 and thereafter. The support must be at least equivalent to what they would have received under the Installation Aid,” he said.

“The three-week application window (ending next Wed, Aug 13th) to secure necessary documentation and submit online, during the holiday season, is also far too tight. Farmers are finding it difficult to get queries addressed and assemble the required supporting documentation (e.g. educational qualifications etc) to accompany applications. This must be extended to a more realistic timeframe,” John Curran said.