Minister Admits Income Must Improve To Keep Clare Farmers In The Sector

Clare FM

A Minister of State admits the next generation of Clare farmers will only remain in the sector if the level of income is on par with that of other industries. The Central Statistics Office has found this month that land prices are growing at a faster rate in the Midwest than in any other region, and farming representatives have reported that factors such as this are prompting young farmers to leave the sector in their droves. According to the Irish Farmers' Association, 20% of the workforce in Clare is involved in the agricultural sector, with the average age of a farmer here being 59. Speaking during a visit to the Clare Marts in Ennis, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon when it comes to succession planning, young farmers need to know their future is secure.