A structured new initiative aimed at securing the future of Irish farming has officially been launched. The RAISE Project (Renewal of Agriculture through Intergenerational Support & Empowerment) brings a people-focused approach to one of rural Ireland’s most pressing challenges, generational renewal in agriculture.

The three-year programme is co-funded by the European Union and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

A steering group of agri-sector stakeholders has been established (called the Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Council) including 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, in a multi-stakeholder approach.

Over the next three years (May 2025 – April 2027), RAISE will work to establish collaborative farming relationships between young and older farmers, underpinned by training, mentoring and a strong support network. The project seeks not just to transfer land or knowledge, but to build legacies, preserve identities and ensure that Ireland’s farms remain vibrant, productive and family-centred for generations to come.

Edward Carr, President of ICOS 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.

“The future of farming lies in connection, not just to the land but to one another.  RAISE is about bridging the gap between generations and ensuring farming is something that people feel supported to enter and proud to pass on.”

“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.”

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. A Digital Resource Hub will centralise training modules, collaborative farming templates and real-world case studies. Advisors and co-operative officers will be upskilled to act as facilitators, helping farming families navigate often sensitive succession conversations, and community forums and awareness campaigns will be designed to spark public dialogue and showcase the positive impact of collaboration.

Anyone interested in participating in the initiative can visit the project website at www.raiseproject.ie or contact Billy Goodburn of ICOS Skillnet by email on billy.goodburn@icos.ie.  Participating farmers will receive a range of advice and inputs including training, mentorship and engagement with advisors and co-operative specialists In its final phases, RAISE will move from training to practical action – offering guidance, building formal partnerships and opening pathways for farmers for the future. Impact will be measured ensuring the lessons of the project are taken account of for further future action.

The programme is open to all co-operatives and farmers, north, south, east and west.