Older English farmers being paid to retire not supported by NFF for Australia

Older farmers in England could be paid up to $180,000 to retire to get younger more eco-friendly farmers into the industry. This is what Australia’s peak farming body thinks of the idea.

The NFF says a scheme such as the UK’s to pay farmers to retire is not the answer for Australia. File picture: Zoe Phillips

Older farmers in England could be paid up to £100,000 ($182,578) to retire under a UK government scheme to help younger farmers gain access to land.

According to the BBC, Environment Secretary George Eustice believes some older farmers are resistant to new “green” methods and he wants them to move on.

The average farmer could receive a lump-sum payment of £50,000 ($91,304) under the scheme, which launched in consultation last week.

Back at home, the idea has been rejected by Australia’s peak farming body.

“The NFF believes that succession planning is of utmost importance to the future success of the industry, however, this UK scheme seems to be going about it in the wrong way,” National Farmers’ Federation chief executive Tony Mahar told The Weekly Times.

“Building the knowledge, skills and capabilities of farmers and farm advisers on the importance of good succession planning will ensure a viable future for agriculture in Australia, not handouts that are loosely based on environmental outcomes.

“With respect to environmental outcomes, the NFF would like to see market for environmental services established, allowing farmers monetise any environmental outcomes they have created in an open market.

“Again, lump sum handouts to retiring farmers does not achieve this outcome.”

The average age of a UK farmer is 59 — only one year older than the average age of an Aussie farmer.

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