The deadline for two key support schemes for generation renewal under the 2023-2027 Common Agricultural (CAP) is fast approaching.

The National Reserve and Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CISYF) are now open for applications to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The National Reserve scheme provides an allocation of payment entitlements at the national average entitlement value of approximately €155 to eligible applicants under the two categories:

  • Young Farmer;
  • New Farmer.

It will also top up low-value entitlements to bring them up to the national average value, subject to a maximum of 50ha.

Young Farmers must be aged 40 and under in the year of first application, and have commenced in agriculture in the five years prior to application holding a Level 6 educational qualification in agriculture.

New Farmers do not have an upper age limit, but must have commenced in agriculture in the three years prior to first application and also hold a Level 6 educational qualification in agriculture.

Generation renewal

This new scheme replaces the Young Farmers Scheme and provides an additional payment to eligible young farmers for five years, and is paid per eligible hectare up to a maximum of 50ha.

Payments are expected to average €175/ha over the lifetime of the scheme from 2023-2027.

An eligible young farmer under this scheme must meet the same eligibility requirements as a young farmer under the National Reserve and applicants should ensure that they can show financial and managerial control in the holding.

Applicants under the previous Young Farmers Scheme up to 2022 can apply to rollover into the new CISYF for the remainder of their five-year term of eligibility as a young farmer and receive the new rates of payment under CISYF.

Applications can be submitted using the department’s online web site agfood.ie, or alternatively, an applicant can contact a Farm Advisory System (FAS) approved advisor to make the application on their behalf.

Closing date for applications is Monday, May 29.

For full details, click here.