Farm succession on the island of Ireland: exploring factors affecting succession intentions among older potential successors through a multidimensional person-environment fit lens

Abstract

This thesis is situated within the field of agricultural and rural studies, focusing on the process of farm succession and its role in the long-term sustainability of farming systems. While existing research has explored the complex factors underpinning delayed farm succession, limited attention has been given to the perspectives of older potential successors and the factors shaping their succession intentions.

In response to this gap, this study aims to explore the factors shaping the succession intentions of older potential successors within beef and sheep systems on the island of Ireland. Drawing on Person-Environment fit theory, alongside insights from Self Determination Theory and the existing farm succession literature, the research adopts a qualitative, abductive approach to develop and refine a multidimensional Person-Environment fit framework for farm succession. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 40 potential successors aged over 35 and analysed using thematic analysis.

The findings highlight the central role of values and relational dynamics in shaping succession intentions. They also reveal the significance of off-farm factors, including employment and family commitments, in enabling or constraining engagement. Importantly, succession intentions are shown to be dynamic and evolve over time, in response to changing personal and contextual circumstances.

This thesis makes an original contribution by advancing a multidimensional Person-Environment fit framework for farm succession. It foregrounds the perspectives of older potential successors and reconceptualises succession as a life-course process shaped by the interaction of values, relationships and wider life circumstances. In particular, and in contrast to prevailing policy perspectives which frame delayed succession as the result of reluctant incumbent farmers, the findings suggest it may instead be a preferred and actively maintained arrangement among older successors. This arrangement supports incumbent farmers’ well-being and family relationships, while enabling successors to maintain off-farm commitments, highlighting the need for policy approaches that recognise the relational and life-course dimensions of succession.

Thesis embargoed until 30 June 2028

Date of Award	Jun 2026
Original language	English
Supervisor	Anne-Marie Ward (Supervisor), Stuart Henderson (Supervisor), Dr Emma Dillion (Supervisor) & Dr David Meredith (Supervisor)