(Ireland) Approval for 'Share Farming' imminent
Irish farmers could soon have the option of joining forces to increase scale by adopting a system of 'share farming'. Teagasc is in the process of seeking approval for a share farming system that would enable two farmers to farm jointly, while still being treated as separate individuals for legal and tax purposes. The system, similar to that widely used by British, Australian and New Zealand farmers, would be different to the current partnership farming, employer/employee or landlord/tenant arrangements. A landowner and share farmer would enter into an agreement to jointly farm the land, but each would still be treated as an individual farmer for taxation and Department of Agriculture support schemes. A draft legal contract for share farming is currently being worked on. The arrangement is seen as a way for existing farmers to increase scale, and for new entrants to take their first step on the farming ladder.
http://www.independent.ie/farming/news-features/approval-for-share-farming-imminent-1904885.html © The Independent
