Chambers welcomes FF commitment to farm retirement

Senator Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fáil’s General Election candidate in Mayo, has warmly welcomed her party’s pledge to introduce a Farm Retirement Scheme as part of a comprehensive strategy to support Irish farmers.

This initiative will provide a structured and dignified pathway for retiring farmers while ensuring younger generations have the opportunity to carry forward Ireland’s strong farming tradition.

"The Farm Retirement Scheme is a transformative initiative for rural Ireland," Senator Chambers said.

"It allows retiring farmers to transition with dignity and ensures that younger generations have the resources and opportunities they need to modernise and grow our agriculture sector."

The government has long demonstrated its commitment to supporting Irish farmers, having secured nearly €10 billion in EU and Exchequer funding to sustain Ireland’s 130,000 farm families from 2023 to 2027.

The FF manifesto also includes critical measures to help farmers manage challenges like rising costs, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure needs.

Key commitments include:

- €350 per suckler cow and €35 per ewe payments to boost incomes for livestock farmers.

- A €300 million fund over five years to grow the tillage sector.

- Increased support for the Dairy Beef scheme to €100 per calf.

- New financial incentives to encourage the use of genetically superior beef AI and stock bulls.

- A Climate Data-Use Performance Payment to reward farmers for emissions reductions and biodiversity actions.

- A new income volatility taxation measure, allowing farmers to defer up to 5% of their gross receipts in any one year.

"Farmers face enormous challenges in today’s world, from rising costs to extreme weather events.

"Fianna Fáil’s plans, including the Farm Retirement Scheme and other critical supports, ensure that Irish agriculture remains resilient, sustainable, and ready for the future," Senator Chambers added.