Farming for the Generations Pilot Scheme awareness sessions
January 17, 2025
What is Farming for the Generations?
Funded under the DAERA Farm Development and Support Programme, the Farming for the Generations pilot scheme aims to support farm families plan farm succession. The scheme is built on a three-phased approach: planning for succession, developing the successor(s), and giving support for both generations throughout the transition process.
What does the scheme involve?
The pilot scheme is being led by Rural Support and is designed to equip families with the tools needed to discuss and plan the integration of the next generation into the business. Following an initial awareness session where farm families are introduced to the Scheme’s benefits and requirements, farm businesses can apply to participate on the Planning for Succession element of the scheme. If successful, these families will be helped to develop a succession plan, conduct a simple farm business review, and consider what development the successor might need to equip them to take over the business.
Planning for Succession will provide mentoring and financial support for the farm business to consider the management, critical legal and accounting issues when the farm business is transferred from one generation to the next. Participating families will also benefit from Preparing the Successor and Leading Succession workshops designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of both the successor and the retiring farmer. This support will cover management and leadership responsibilities, legal issues, and other business skills needed for a seamless transition.
Recognising that not all farm businesses have a clear successor within the family, the scheme has a Farming in Partnerships element which will seek to connect these farmers with new entrants or those who need additional farming assets to be viable. Both partners will be supported in exploring the most appropriate business relationship.
Awareness sessions
Two awareness sessions will take place at 7:30 pm on:
– Wednesday, 22 January at the Silver Birch Hotel, Omagh
– Thursday 23 January at the Mourne Country Hotel, Newry
How can I find out more? For further information contact Rural Support at farmgenerations@ruralsupport.org.uk or Telephone 028 8676 0040. Book your place directly by clicking on location information above.