For part-time farmers

has inherited a farm, but they are really only coasting along farming against their will because they are not brave enough to exit farming by leasing it out or selling it.

Everything is done at the last minute or not at all.

The cost of a penalty for non-compliance is weighed up versus the cost and hassle of carrying out necessary tasks — the main goal here is to do the absolute minimum.

These part-time farmers are a burden on the industry.

3. THE HOBBY OR LIFESTYLE FARMER

The final category may have inherited or purchased the land but they genuinely enjoy parttime farming.

Income or profitability is never the top priority, it’s a means of getting away from the day job, a good environment to raise children or simply just a status symbol.

They are good custodians of the land and are very often open to receiving knowledge and new technology.

These farmers are often the best proponents of agri-environmental schemes.

These part-time farmers will always exist even if there were no direct payments, they must be included in any future agricultural policy.

The recently improved income tax benefits from longterm leasing of agricultural land has caused many to question continuing the vocation of parttime farming.

This is a clear signal from Government to part-time farmers to exit the industry.

Yes, we have small farm size and fragmented holdings in Ireland, and this measure is for the good of the industry.

However, we must also recognise the part-time farmers who choose to continue to farm and find a way to include them in the future of our industry.

Michael Brady is an agricultural consultant based in Cork. Email: mike@bradygroup.ie