The Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming in the Republic of Ireland

Abstract

There is a rigid agrarian structure in Ireland. An opportunity to promote greater land mobility was provided by the 1992 EU CAP Reform Accompanying Measure relating to farmer retirement and this has been implemented in Ireland through the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming (ERS). The characteristics of the EU and Irish policies are outlined, Over X000 farmers have participated in the ERS during the period 1994–1998. Adoption levels are highest in the south and lowest in the west and north-west. Various aspects of the F.RS are discussed, including some which have detracted from its effectiveness and interrelationships with other schemes.