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Human dynamics and the intergenerational farm transfer process in later life: A roadmap for future generational renewal in agriculture policy

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  • Conway, Shane Francis
  • McDonagh, John
  • Farrell, Maura
  • Kinsella, Anne

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Conway, Shane Francis & McDonagh, John & Farrell, Maura & Kinsella, Anne, 2019. "Human dynamics and the intergenerational farm transfer process in later life: A roadmap for future generational renewal in agriculture policy," International Journal of Agricultural Management, Institute of Agricultural Management, vol. 8(1), August.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ijameu:329818
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.329818
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David N. Laband & Bernard F. Lentz, 1983. "Occupational Inheritance in Agriculture," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 65(2), pages 311-314.
    2. Ralph Palliam & Hanas A. Cader & Charles Chiemeke, 2011. "Succession Issues among Family Entrepreneursin Countries of the Gulf," International Journal of Business Administration, International Journal of Business Administration, Sciedu Press, vol. 2(2), pages 25-34, May.
    3. Vare, Minna & Weiss, Christoph R. & Pietola, Kyosti, 2005. "Should One Trust a Farmer's Succession Plan? Empirical Evidence on the Intention-Behaviour Discrepancy from Finland," 2005 International Congress, August 23-27, 2005, Copenhagen, Denmark 24622, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    4. Conway, Shane Francis & McDonagh, John & Farrell, Maura & Kinsella, Anne, 2018. "Till death do us part: Exploring the Irish farmer-farm relationship in later life through the lens of ‘Insideness'," International Journal of Agricultural Management, Institute of Agricultural Management, vol. 7(1), July.
    5. Kirkpatrick, Joy, 2013. "Retired Farmer - An Elusive Concept," Choices: The Magazine of Food, Farm, and Resource Issues, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 28(2), pages 1-5.
    6. Lange, Kelly Y. & Johnson, Jeffrey W. & Hudson, Darren & Johnson, Phillip N. & Gustafson, Bill, 2011. "Equal or Just? Intergenerational Allocations within Family Farm Businesses," 2011 Annual Meeting, February 5-8, 2011, Corpus Christi, Texas 98814, Southern Agricultural Economics Association.
    7. Leonard, Brian & Mahon, Marie & Kinsella, Anne & O'Donoghue, Cathal & Farrell, Maura & Curran, Thomas & Hennessy, Thia, 2017. "The Potential of Farm Partnerships to Facilitate Farm Succession and Inheritance," International Journal of Agricultural Management, Institute of Agricultural Management, vol. 6(1), May.
    8. Glauben, Thomas & Tietje, Hendrik & Vogel, Stefan, 2004. "The transfer of family businesses in Northern Germany and Austria," FE Working Papers 0405, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Department of Food Economics and Consumption Studies.
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    Cited by:

    1. Maura Farrell & Aisling Murtagh & Louise Weir & Shane Francis Conway & John McDonagh & Marie Mahon, 2021. "Irish Organics, Innovation and Farm Collaboration: A Pathway to Farm Viability and Generational Renewal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Camille Robert-Boeuf, 2023. "Promoting Rural Regeneration and Sustainable Farming near Cities Thanks to Facilitating Operators in France? The Case of the Versailles Plain’s Association Governance Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-16, April.
    3. Angelos Liontakis & Alexandra Sintori & Irene Tzouramani, 2021. "The Role of the Start-Up Aid for Young Farmers in the Adoption of Innovative Agricultural Activities: The Case of Aloe Vera," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-24, April.
    4. Shane Francis Conway & Maura Farrell & John McDonagh & Anne Kinsella, 2022. "‘Farmers Don’t Retire’: Re-Evaluating How We Engage with and Understand the ‘Older’ Farmer’s Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-11, February.

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