Teagasc is holding a number of workshops on how to transfer the family farm – with local specialists on the day to offer advice.

Starting in Tullamore on September 30, the series of workshops on how to transfer the family farm will be rolled out in Kildare, Donegal, Westmeath, Kilkenny and Tipperary and other locations.

According to Bernie Leahy, Teagasc Adviser, Galway/Clare nobody lives forever and parents will have to face the task of deciding who takes over the family farm and how to transfer the family farm.

“Luckily for some, it may be a natural progression in that one family member may show passion and natural affinity for the job.”

The suitability of the successor and the viability of the farm are factors which will determine the future of the family farm, she said.

“Time and patience and honesty amongst family members are needed. Family members interested in farming would need to show an ‘expression of interest’.

“It may arise that more than one may want to farm and that a company could be formed. Arrangements such as these are becoming more common nowadays in agribusiness. They can avail of similar reliefs to a farm successor.”

The Teagasc workshops will include advice from Teagasc Farm Management Specialists, local solicitors, accountants, a succession advisor and at least one representative from other relevant organisations will offer free consultation with farmers on the day.

30 September Tullamore Court Hotel, Co. Offaly
01 October Cork Marts, Corrin, Fermoy, Co. Cork
02 October Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway, Co. Cork
06 October Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny
08 October Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
09 October Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
12 October Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
15 October Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon