Empowering Northern Ireland’s Farming Families: Free Succession Planning Workshops
Rural Support, a charity focused on farming, has started awareness sessions to help farming families in Northern Ireland with succession planning.
The program, called ‘Passing the Torch – Planning for Generations to Come,’ is part of the ‘Farming for the Generations’ pilot scheme. This scheme receives funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) under its new Farm Support and Development Programme.
The sessions will take place in November and December. There will be six in-person events and two online events. These sessions will provide guidance on the process of passing the farm to the next generation.
Key topics include:
– Succession planning strategies
– Legal considerations
– Family communication approaches
– Available support services from Rural Support
This initiative aims to help farm families plan for the future, ensuring sustainable farm succession. The program’s approach consists of three phases: planning for succession, developing successors, and maintaining support through the transition.
After the sessions, families can apply to join the pilot scheme. The scheme will select 60 farming families to create a detailed succession plan, evaluate their business, and develop a personal development plan.
How can families in Northern Ireland access resources for farm succession planning beyond the ‘Passing the Torch’ program?
Interview with Kevin Doherty, CEO of Rural Support: Enhancing Farming Futures through Succession Planning
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Kevin. Rural Support has launched a timely initiative focusing on succession planning for farming families in Northern Ireland. Could you tell us more about the ‘Passing the Torch – Planning for Generations to Come’ program?
Kevin Doherty: Thank you for having me. The ‘Passing the Torch’ program is designed to guide farming families through the essential task of succession planning. As many farming operations face challenges related to generational transitions,it’s crucial that we equip these families with the knowledge and tools they need.Our sessions will cover key aspects such as succession planning strategies, legal considerations, effective family interaction, and available support services.
Interviewer: How did this initiative come about, and what role does the department of Agriculture, Habitat and Rural Affairs (DAERA) play?
Kevin Doherty: This initiative is part of the ‘Farming for the Generations’ pilot scheme, which received funding from DAERA under its new farm Support and Development Programme.Recognizing the importance of sustainable farm succession, this program aims to assist families in planning for the future and ensuring their farms remain viable across generations.
Interviewer: What can participants expect from the upcoming awareness sessions?
Kevin Doherty: We have a series of sessions scheduled for November and December, consisting of six in-person events and two online options. Participants will gain insights into the three phases of succession planning: preparation, developing successors, and supporting families through the transition. Each workshop will provide crucial information on management, leadership, legal inheritance, and more.
Interviewer: It sounds comprehensive. What happens after these sessions?
Kevin Doherty: After attending a session, families will have the opportunity to apply for the pilot scheme, which aims to select 60 farming families. They will work on creating a detailed succession plan, evaluating their farm business, and developing a personalized development plan. For those lacking a clear successor, we will also explore alternative options, such as partnerships with new entrants or other farms.
Interviewer: Legal and financial aspects must be daunting for many families. How does the program assist with these concerns?
Kevin Doherty: Absolutely, the legal and financial elements can be quite complex. Our workshops will thoroughly address these aspects to ensure families feel informed and empowered. We believe that understanding these details is fundamental to executing a smooth succession plan.
Interviewer: What feedback have you received so far regarding this initiative?
Kevin doherty: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Farming families recognize the need for structured support in these discussions, and many have expressed gratitude for the resources we provide. It’s rewarding to see them engage with the content and share their personal experiences.
Interviewer: how can interested families participate in this program?
Kevin Doherty: Families can sign up for the workshops which are free to attend. The sessions will take place at various venues in december, including locations in Belfast, Cookstown, Glarryford, and Enniskillen, and also two online events.We encourage all farming families to join us and take this vital step towards securing their futures.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Kevin. It’s clear that this program has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of farming families across Northern Ireland.
Kevin Doherty: Thank you for the opportunity to share. We look forward to helping more families with their succession planning.
Participants will also learn about management, leadership, legal inheritance, and other skills crucial for a smooth transition. For those without a clear successor, the scheme will offer connections for alternative succession options, including partnerships with new entrants or other farms.
The program also highlights important legal and financial aspects of succession planning, ensuring families understand these details.
The workshops, which are free, will occur at 7:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
– Monday, December 2 – La Mon House Hotel, Belfast
– Tuesday, December 3 – Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown
– Wednesday, December 4 – Glarryford Farmers Hall
– Thursday, December 5 – Westville Hotel, Enniskillen
– Monday, December 9 – 8:00 p.m. online
– Tuesday, December 10 – 1:00 p.m. online
Kevin Doherty, CEO of Rural Support, stated, “Succession planning is crucial for the resilience of our farms. We understand the challenges that come with these discussions and aim to provide resources to assist families in this process for their well-being and business success.”