Part Time Farming

Tony Almeida

Hi All -

I'm considering buying 15 acres of land, 7 acres of it arable, the remaining commonage. I have no experience with farming whatsoever, and dont intend to do it for money. I plan to build a house on it, do the green cert and perhaps become a part time farmer out of a hobby. I was hoping somebody could help me with a couple of questions.

• Would I be able to get a business plan past Teagasc with that small a holding, to satisfy requirements to become a young farmer? This would enable me to get the stamp duty exemption on the purchase.
• Would i be able to get a grant to put up a shed, to save me building my own, and use it for dual purposes - personal plus farming?
• What would you use the land for? I am leaning towards sheep, but maybe speciality / pedigree sheep given the size of the holding

The bit I have no gauge on is whether the holding I have is far too small to put in front of Teagasc, which i need to do to get the grants.. Am I being ridiculous? Or is it common enough?

Dinzee Conlee

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058206716/part-time-farming

Young farmer requirements

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/6e97d8-young-farmers-scheme/#how-to-qualify

Re stamp duty, I believe you can claim this back, after you do you complete the course. I would check out the cost of doing the course, vs the stamp duty if this is the only reason you might do the course.

TAMS scheme requirements

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/90794e-young-farmers-capital-investment-scheme/?referrer=http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/tams/youngfarmercapitalinvestmentscheme/

What to use the land for - if its a hobby, do what you like the most. Be that sheep, cattle, poultry, veg, etc. Assume you wont make any money, and will in fact spend more, at least for the first few years to get yourself setup.

Too small to put in front of Teagasc - read the requirement links above, and understand what you need to do first. Then see if you want to go to Teagasc.

Lastly, you might get more and better answers posting in the main forum. Not sure many people read the Smallholding forum.

Dinzee Conlee

Oh, I would also check about building a house on it. Planning restrictions are very location dependant, just cos you have 15 acres doesn't guarantee you planning.