‘Supports for farmers’ publication launched
A new farmers’ resource providing key details on the supports and schemes available to farmers throughout their working life, including retirement and succession planning, has been launched.
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) and Teagasc were proud to launch their booklet Supports for farmers at the National Ploughing Championships 2024. The publication is a collaboration between the two agencies and covers everything you need to know about being a farmer throughout your working life.
Pictured from (L to R): James Holohan, Digital Content Manager, Citizens Information Board; Professor Frank O Mara, Teagasc Director; Charlie McConalogue, T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Graham Long, Acting Chief Executive, Citizens Information Board; Cathy Gerrard, Digital Content Manager, Citizens Information Board; and Barry Caslin, Teagasc. Photo: Finbarr O’Rourke Photography
The booklet was officially launched by Charlie McConalogue T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine on Thursday, 19 September 2024, at the National Ploughing Championships. This initiative underlines the Government’s commitment to supporting the farming community.
Supports for farmers explains the supports and schemes available to farmers throughout their career including: becoming a farmer; farming education and training; supports and tax reliefs for young farmers; farming grants and schemes; social welfare supports; employing agricultural workers; farm business management; health and safety; taxation; farm partnerships; retiring from farming; and farm succession planning, pensions and inheriting a farm.
Information on the supports available is also available online in the new dedicated section for farmers on citizensinformation.ie, which has reached over 10,000 users and has been viewed nearly 14,000 times. The most visited pages are Farming grants and schemes, the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme for farmers and Farm succession planning.
The Supports for farmers booklet will also be available through the network of Citizens Information Centres and Teagasc Advisory Centres nationwide and can be downloaded in English and Irish at citizensinformationboard.ie and teagasc.ie.
Charlie McConalogue T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, said: "Our farmers are the backbone of our food production and rural communities. This publication by Citizens Information Board and Teagasc offers vital support and guidance, ensuring that farmers have access to the information they need to manage their farms effectively and plan for the future."
Professor Frank O Mara, Director of Teagasc, commented that: “Teagasc is dedicated to supporting farmers through education, research, and advisory services. This booklet is an extension of our commitment, providing clear and actionable information to farmers at every stage of their career.
"It’s an invaluable tool for anyone involved or thinking of getting involved in farming."
Digital Content Manager of the Citizens Information Board, Cathy Gerrard added: “CIB is happy to provide clear, up-to-date information about farming supports and issues in this booklet and on the Citizens Information website.
“Supports for farmers is designed to help farmers, whether they are starting out, actively farming, or planning for retirement. We encourage all farmers to read this booklet or visit our website for more details.”