“The Farming for the Generations pilot scheme is due to end in a matter of weeks, while the Young Farmers’ Payment and Regional Reserve initiatives are also set to finish,” she explained.

“DAERA is ‘asleep at the wheel’ and has failed to deliver a dedicated support package for young farmers. There is nothing on the horizon, and it could be 2027 at the earliest before Minister Muir’s department introduces a replacement scheme.

“This is unacceptable, and comes at a time when succession planning is very much to the forefront within family farms across the province. The Labour Government’s ‘death tax’ plans have forced farmers into thinking more constructively about passing the mantra to the next generation.”

The MP added: “Succession planning has never been more important. The Farming for the Generations pilot scheme, introduced in October 2024, is part of DAERA’s transformational new Farm Support and Development Programme. It was designed to raise awareness of the need for succession planning on farms.

“With the government’s changes to historic agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR), it is crucial for farmers to plan ahead to ensure the long-term sustainability of farm businesses.”

“The Farming for the Generations scheme supports families through the various stages of planning for succession.

“The scheme also encourages farmers who have no heir or successor, to consider partnering with new entrants and other businesses. This is an excellent way of encouraging the next generation, and providing access to land and other resources, which would normally be out of financial reach for new entrants,” she added.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart continued: “The government’s controversial and potentially damaging ‘farm tax grab’, is due to kick-in at the start of April. Farmers across the UK are thinking about their next steps and planning for the future. I find it deeply concerning that the Northern Ireland’s devolved government has no measures in place to help farmers and new entrants navigate a way forward.

“Farmers have found themselves at a ‘critical crossroads’, and many would benefit immensely from professional advice on the transfer of assets and responsibilities to the next generation; while protecting the business and the safeguarding the welfare of family members.”

She added: “I agree with the Ulster Farmers’ Union, who has described the current situation “as a serious failure of policy planning.”

“I also support the call for DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir MLA, to urgently extend the Young Farmers’ Payment and Regional Reserve schemes into 2026 as an interim measure.

“This is a practical solution that would provide stability while a new Farming for the Generations scheme is designed and implemented. If the Stormont Executive is serious about supporting young people into agriculture, this is a feasible way forward.”

Concluding, the MP said: “I wholeheartedly support the objective of generational renewal, but we must ensure that any future scheme reflects the realities of how family farms operate.

“Succession is a process, not a single legal transaction. Many farms involve multiple generations working side by side, even where ownership has not formally transferred for legitimate reasons. Policy must support these real-life structures rather than forcing families into artificial arrangements simply to qualify for assistance.

“Farm profitability and business confidence are the foundations of successful generational renewal. Without practical, timely and well-designed support, young people will not be encouraged to build their futures in agriculture.



“The Minister must act now to avoid a damaging policy gap and to restore confidence among the next generation of farmers in Northern Ireland.”