AQW 50746/11-16


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 11/11/2015
Answered On Date: 25/11/2015
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to AQW 49045/11-16, for her assessment of the number of farmers under the age of 30; and how young people are being encouraged and supported to invest in agri-businesses to ensure the future sustainability of this sector.


Revised Answer:
Subsequent to my initial answer provided on 25 November, please replace with this amended version.
The last time data on age within the farm labour force was collected was under the EU Farm Structure Survey (FSS) in 2013. Age data was collected in bands and the category of interest (under 30) does not coincide with the thresholds used in the survey. The closest available group is people under 35 with day to day responsibility for managing a farm. In 2013 the number was in the region of 1335. Since then CAP reform measures may have impacted management arrangements, with more young people becoming farmers. This should be reflected in the numbers when the FSS is re-run in 2016.
Changes to the CAP in 2015 has seen the introduction of The Young Farmers' Payment (YFP), which provides assistance to young farmers establishing a business for the first time. Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions (which includes being under 40 years of age, having a Level II qualification and being Head of Holding ) to receive a top-up to their Basic Payment, which for 2015 equates to €81.28 per hectare. In addition, those eligible for the YFP can also apply to have the value of their Basic Payment entitlements valued at the regional average value. This will be favourable where they either have no entitlements or entitlements valued at less than the regional average. 
The Farm Business Improvement Scheme (FBIS) will be an important part of our new Rural Development Programme 2014-20. I anticipate that it will include a portfolio of measures to support sustainable growth in the sector with the objectives to improve competitiveness and productivity in farming through increased efficiency, up-skilling on farm, farm modernisation and a commitment to working with supply chain partners to improve performance. It is important that young farmers take advantage of this programme of support in the years ahead.