IJAM Volume 8

REFEREED ARTICLE DOI: 10.5836/ijam/2019-08-22 Human dynamics and the intergenerational farm transfer process in later life: A roadmap for future generational renewal in agriculture policy SHANE FRANCIS CONWAY 1, * , JOHN McDONAGH 1 , MAURA FARRELL 1 and ANNE KINSELLA 2 ABSTRACT The senior generation’s reluctance and indeed resistance to alter the status quo of the existing management and ownership structure of their family farm is undoubtedly strong within the farming community. This phenomenon has resulted in extraordinary socio-economic challenges for young people aspiring to embark on a career in farming. The reasons why older farmers fail to plan effectively and expeditiously for the future are expansive, and range from the potential loss of identity, status and power that may occur as a result of engaging in the process, to the intrinsic multi-level relationship farmers have with their farms. These so-called ‘soft issues’ i.e. the emotional and social dimensions involved, are the issues that distort and dominate the older generation’s decisions on the future trajectory of the farm. These really are the ‘hard issues’. This paper draws on three interrelated journal articles exploring the complex human dynamics influencing the decision-making processes surrounding farm succession and retirement to put forth a series of recommendations that sensitively deal with problematic issues surrounding generational renewal in agriculture, whilst also ensuring farmers’ emotional wellbeing in later life. KEYWORDS: generational renewal; family farming; succession; retirement; land mobility 1. Introduction Globally the policy mantra about the survival, continuity and future prosperity of the agricultural sector, tradi- tional family farm model and broader sustainability of rural society seems ultimately to depend on an age- diverse farming population (Ingram and Kirwan, 2011; Lobley and Baker, 2012; Nuthall and Old, 2017). Indeed in Europe, an aging farming population and steady decline in the number of young farm families is reported as being a key factor in the demoralization of rural com- munities in which the farm is located (Vare et al ., 2005; Zagata and Sutherland, 2015). Consequently, it is increasingly clear that a major challenge presents itself in the area of intergenerational family farm transfer, so much so that European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, maintains that a priority for future CAP reforms must focus on genera- tional renewal (European Commission, 2017). Financial incentives to stimulate and entice interge- nerational family farm transfer are undoubtedly impor- tant, but as argued in this paper, which draws from evidence gathered in the Republic of Ireland, there are more facets to the farm succession and retirement decision-making process that for the most part have been neglected. Indeed, previous research carried out by the lead author of this paper published in Conway et al . (2016; 2017; 2018), have opened up considerable debate in this area by delving into the mind-set and mannerism of farmers in later life to help identify the dynamic mass of emotional values attached to the farm and farming occupation ‘ beyond the economic ’ (Pile, 1990, p. 147). It is from the lead author ’ s empirical research fi ndings published in Conway et al . (ibid) that this paper puts forward a series of recommendations that are necessary to address the future trajectory of the complex area that is intergenerational family farm transfer. The three interrelated studies published in Conway et al . (2016; 2017; 2018) bring to surface the various human dynamics in fl uencing and hindering the older generation ’ s decision-making processes surrounding farm succession and retirement from a different theoretical base, whilst maintaining the same foci. Conway et al . (2016) theoretically pioneered the use of Pierre Bourdieu ’ s 1 Discipline of Geography, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland. 2 Teagasc Agricultural Economics and Farms Surveys Department, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland. * Corresponding author: Email: shane.conway@nuigalway.ie Original submitted December 2018; accepted February 2019. ISSN 2047-3710 International Journal of Agricultural Management, Volume 8 Issue 1 22 & 2019 International Farm Management Association and Institute of Agricultural Management