New measures included in draft proposals for the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), would, if approved, introduce funding to help cover the cost of replacement labour when farmers are unable to work.

Under the new proposals, farmers could receive support to bring in trained relief workers while taking sick leave, maternity or childbirth leave, bereavement leave, annual holidays, or time away to attend training courses.

The plans would also provide funding to establish and expand farm relief services, as well as to pay the wages of temporary replacement workers.

The European Commission has said the proposals recognise the importance of farmers’ wellbeing, mental health, and achieving a better work-life balance.

The move could be very significant in Ireland, where many farmers struggle to take time away from their farms. According to the Irish Independent, dairy farmers take an average of just 19 days off each year, including weekends and holidays.

President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, Denis Drennan, welcomed the proposals, saying they acknowledge the unique reality of farming.

‘If you woke up this morning feeling unwell, you can ring in sick,’ he said.

‘If I woke up this morning, I still have to get up and milk cows regardless of how I feel.’

He said he expects the National Farm Relief Service to play a key role if the proposals are introduced.

‘I presume that the National Farm Relief Service will come on board with this one, and that they will maybe have people on standby, that if somebody is sick or somebody has an accident and can’t carry out normal functions, they will have trained staff ready to take over and step in when somebody is unable to carry out their normal duties on the farm.’

The proposals form part of negotiations on the EU’s next CAP programme, which is due to run from 2028 onwards.

They must still be agreed upon by EU member states and the European Parliament before becoming part of the next agricultural support package.