A new competition was launched today by Clonmel Credit Union in association with the South Tipperary Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and the West Waterford IFA. The New Entrant to Farming Award supports the next generation of farmers in Tipperary and West Waterford amid sector concerns about rising costs and the future of family farming in the area.
The competition aims to encourage new people to enter the profession to strengthen farming in the region across livestock, tillage, breeding, horticulture, and agri-tourism. A prize fund of €5,000 will be awarded to the overall winner, and €2,000 to the runner-up new entrant to farming, sponsored by Clonmel Credit Union.
“There was a time in Ireland when the only avenue into farming was to inherit land. That is no longer the case. Today, there are fewer next generations coming back into farming. But that means there are plenty of opportunities out there,’ says Pat Carroll, Farm Business Chairperson for the South Tipperary IFA. “For a county like Tipperary, and for rural Ireland generally, this affects our local economy, our small towns and villages. It is important that we can attract as many people as possible back into rural life.
This award is to showcase those who have done it, regardless of the sector, whether it’s dairy, beef, sheep, pigs, horticulture or what stage of life they are in.”
*Agriculture contributes €2.6bn to the local economy (Tipperary) and accounts for more than 10 per cent of employment in the region. The average age of a farmer is 59, and succession rates are currently very low.
Michael O’Grady, Head of Lending at Clonmel Credit Union, said, “Every person who chooses to farm, establish a business, or build a future in rural Tipperary is helping to sustain local jobs, local families, and local communities. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the rural economy, and we see the New Entrant to Farming Award as another way of supporting a thriving local community.
In farming, there is always scope for development, whether that’s land improvements, farm infrastructure, machinery, buildings, or environmental projects. Access to finance plays a crucial role in helping sustain a long-term farming livelihood over generations.
We are delighted to partner with South Tipperary and West Waterford IFA on this initiative. It’s an investment in the future of rural Ireland. As the banks scale back their presence locally, we are expanding our services and developing new financial products to ensure local people have access to the support they need to build a sustainable future locally.”
The New Entrant to Farming Award
Organisers are looking for bright new entrants to farming who are working full- or part-time across all sectors of agriculture. Candidates should demonstrate a clear vision, embrace modern systems and sustainable methods. They must have proven experience in the day-to-day running of a farm, financial management and a balanced approach to work-life balance.
The closing date for entry is August 31st. Following a shortlisting process, interviews will take place for finalists and an independent adjudication panel will decide the overall winner and runner-up. The winner and runner up will be announced in September.
Carroll explains, “The aim is to get people back into farming and to make it attractive for them to return to rural areas. We’re hugely grateful to have the backing of Clonmel Credit Union to support this initiative.”
The New Entrant to Farming Award is now open. To see the full terms and conditions or to enter, visit https://www.clonmelcu.ie/services/new-entrant-to-farming-award