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.

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 unfortunately the category of interest (under 30) did not coincide with the thresholds used in the survey. The closest available group was under 35, and at that time the number was in the region of 2235. However, CAP reform has moved things on since 2013, 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.