Irish farmers face land squeeze as wealthy buyers increase farmland purchases

Irish farmers are concerned about a "land squeeze" as wealthy buyers increasingly purchase farmland, particularly in Munster and Leinster. An international panel is investigating the impact of these acquisitions on local farming opportunities. Farmers report that rising land prices, driven by large-scale operations, are making it difficult for smaller and younger farmers to expand. The average asking price for fertile land has reached €40,000 per acre, with dairy farmers accounting for 69% of purchases. The panel, IPES-Food, has previously studied land use in other regions and may help facilitate a similar study in Ireland. They suggest reforms, such as giving communities the first right to purchase land at auction, to support smallholders and family farms.