Tirlán launches €15 million Generational Renewal Programme

Pictured above (L to R) are Frank Tobin, Chief Investment and Strategy Officer Tirlán, John Murphy Tirlán Chairperson, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD, Seán Molloy, Chief Executive Officer Tirlán and Lisa Koep Chief ESG Officer Tirlán. Photo: Dylan Vaughan

Tirlán, Ireland’s leading farmer-owned agri-food and nutrition co-operative, today launched its bold new Generational Renewal Programme, backed by a €15 million support package.

The initiative, unveiled at a special event in Teagasc Kildalton Agricultural College, contains a number of measures designed to assist and support those taking over dairy farms in the Tirlán catchment area, including new entrants, family successors and those taking on additional units.

Launching the new programme, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, said: “Supporting young farmers and facilitating generation renewal is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-sector and to continue the family story behind Irish food and drinks production which is uniquely appealing to consumers all over the world. I will ensure that we progress the recommendations of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming, in consultation with stakeholders, to ensure that we can attract and retain the next generation of farmers to ensure the agri-food sector remains vibrant and sustainable into the future.”

Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy said: “Across Ireland and around the world, farming faces a generational crossroads. The need for renewal within our sector has never been more urgent, yet it is also a time filled with possibility. Agriculture offers a bright and promising future for today’s generation and those to come.

“Our vision for our Co-op is clear – we want to create a thriving inter-generational community of farmers, where new entrants are welcomed, successors are empowered, and every member has a stake in our shared success.”

John Murphy said that dairy farming is an attractive career and the Tirlán programme is designed to enable and support the next generation to farm the land. “Dairy needs the energy and ambition of youth and of new entrants to the sector. To encourage and support those entering a career in dairy farming, we are delighted to play our role with the launch of our Generational Renewal Programme. It offers real meaningful financial and practical supports to assist with entry to dairy farming as a career.”

Tirlán Chief Executive Seán Molloy added: “The programme is specifically designed to assist and support generational renewal with a package of financial and practical supports. Yet, the impact of this programme stretches far beyond the numbers. By supporting a new generation as they take on stewardship of the land, we help secure stable milk supply, maintain operational efficiency and ensure our Co-op remains strong, profitable, and resilient. A vibrant, thriving multi-generational Co-op Membership benefits every member today and into the future.”

Programme Highlights:

• Financial Support:
  • €15 million Generational Renewal Programme, with up to €50,000 of supports available to new entrants over a three-year period
  • New Entrants: 2 cpl bonus paid on all milk for the first three years*
  • Family Successors** and Additional Units***: 2 cpl milk pre-payment (cashflow support) for two years, repayable in years four and five
• Co-op Membership Access: New entrants and family successors will be offered the opportunity to purchase 1,000 shares in Tirlán Co-op, with flexible payment options
• Dairy Development Programme: A three-day course combining classroom learning and on-farm visits, delivered in partnership with partners including Teagasc, ifac, Grasstec, and others
• Farm Advisory & Support Services:
  • €30/t GAIN dairy feed rebate for new entrants’ first 18 months in milk production****
  • Free herd health and disease screening for the first 3 years
  • Preferential access to the successful calf-to-beef initiative, Twenty20 Beef Club
  • Dedicated Milk Solids Growth Advisors
• Retiring Suppliers: Ongoing Co-op membership, recognition, and support through partnerships like the Land Mobility Service.

*Maximum €50,000 over three-year period. Greater than 75% ownership of the Milk Supply Entity

**Maximum prepayment of €50,000 over two-year period

***Maximum prepayment of €30,000 over two-year period. Confined to units which previously supplied Tirlán or greenfield sites owned by Tirlán Members

****A number of terms apply to the support, including a reasonable usage limit