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Irish Examiner

RAISE programme launched to support the future of Irish farming

A project which seeks to promote generational renewal in Irish agriculture was officially launched this week. Project 'RAISE' (Renewal of Agriculture through Intergenerational Support & Empowerment) is a structured new initiative aimed at securing the future of Irish farming focused on one of rural Ireland's most pressing challenges, generational renewal. The three-year programme is co-funded by the European Union and the Department of Agriculture. The 'Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Council', a group made up of agri-sector stakeholders, has been established. Included in this advisory council are representatives from the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), Teagasc, University College Cork (UCC), Macra Na Feirme, Aurivo, Dairygold, Lakeland Dairies, Tirlán, and three active farmer representatives. Over the next three years, RAISE will aim to work on establishing collaborative farming relationships between young and older farmers underpinned by training, mentoring and a strong support network. The project does not aim to transfer land or knowledge but to ensure Ireland's farms remain productive and family-centred. ICOS president Edward Carr said: 'Across Ireland, farmers are ageing and while many young people aspire to work the land, they often find themselves locked out by limited access to land, resources or mentorship. Meanwhile, older farmers face uncertainty about the future of their farms, also burdened by the emotional and financial weight of succession decisions. 'At the heart of the project is a belief in partnership and mutual respect. Whether it's a young farmer searching for their first opportunity or an older farmer wondering who will walk the fields after them, RAISE seeks to offer them a roadmap,' Mr Carr concluded. The initiative will be phased, beginning with a needs assessment capturing the lived experiences, barriers and hopes of farmers. From there, a comprehensive programme of training and capacity building will be rolled out, focusing not just on farm management, but on co-operative structures, communication and legacy building. Mentorship programmes will pair seasoned farmers with potential new entrants. The programme is open to all co-operatives and farmers across the country. A digital resource hub will centralise training modules, collaborative farming templates and real-world case studies. Participants in the project will avail of advisors and co-operative officers who will act as facilitators, helping farming families navigate often sensitive succession conversations. Community forums and awareness campaigns will be designed to spark public dialogue as well as aid in showcasing the positive impact of collaboration. Those interested in participating in the initiative can visit the RAISE project website. Read More Sunburnt but seasoned: Young Irish farmers back from Down Under