Macra na Feirme has welcomed McConalogue’s 100% increase in funding for the Land Mobility Service.
The independent facilitated service matches young and older farmers to create collaborative farming arrangements.
The minister made the announcement at the Macra na Feirme Agricultural Conference on Friday, November 26th, 2021.
Land Mobility Service
Speaking via Zoom, he said:
“The Land Mobility Service has been one of the great success stories of agricultural policy over the past few years.”
“I am a firm believer in using all the tools at our availability to leverage generational renewal. Funding through CAP supports young farmers, but initiatives such as the Land Mobility Service are crucial.”
“I am a firm supporter of the service. I know that as we transition through the next decade, the need to have an agile and fit-for-purpose land mobility service will be crucial.”
“The department has provided annual funding to the service of €50,000. This has remained unchanged since its inception.”
He said increasing the DAFM’s contribution by 100% for 2022 is “another clear example of my commitment to facilitating generational renewal in our sector”.
John Keane, Macra na Feirme national president, said:
“We welcome the additional increase in funding.”
“This funding recognises the continued role that a land mobility service can actively play in generational renewal.”
“We look forward to the proposed engagement with the Department and Teagasc on the future of the service, and to continuing our engagement with the department about the role that the service can play in the context of supporting the achievement of objectives of generational renewal within the future Common Agricultural Policy.”
CAP funding
During the meeting, Minister McConalogue pointed to the 50% increase in the national envelope ringfenced for young farmers, rising from 2% to 3%.
“I am ensuring that the National Reserve will remain open for young farmers too. The higher rate of 60% for young, trained farmers under TAMS will also be in place.”
“I have also proposed to lift the TAMS investment ceiling from €80,000 to €90,000 to support farmers to make investments on their farms in light of rising costs.”
“I have a review into TAMS costings ongoing, which I expect will be completed shortly,” he concluded.
