More than 97% of Ploughing survey respondents say farming families must plan ahead

DSS survey finds awareness gap remains for Enduring Powers of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directives

More than 97% of people surveyed by the Decision Support Service (DSS) at the 2026 National Ploughing Championships said it is essential or very important for farming families to plan ahead. However, the findings also show that significant gaps remain in public awareness of the legal tools people can use to record their wishes and prepare for the future.

The sample survey of 516 visitors found that 46.71% regarded advance planning as essential for farming families and a further 50.78% said it was very important. Just 2.5% said it was not important.

While almost two-thirds of respondents (65.44%) had heard of an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), more than one-third (34.55%) had not. Awareness of Advance Healthcare Directives (AHDs) was lower: 47.65% had heard of an AHD, while 52.35% had not.

An EPA allows a person to choose someone they trust to make certain decisions on their behalf if they are unable to make those decisions in the future. An AHD allows a person to set out their wishes about healthcare treatment in case they are unable to communicate those wishes later.

The findings underline the importance of making personal advance planning part of the wider conversations farming families already have about succession, inheritance and the future of the farm. A will sets out what should happen after a person dies; an EPA can help ensure that decisions about their property, finances and personal welfare are made in line with their wishes during their lifetime. An AHD can record their wishes about future healthcare treatment.

Áine Flynn, Director of the Decision Support Service, said: “Farming families understand the value of planning ahead. They make decisions every day about the farm, their finances and the future of the family business. This survey shows very clearly that people also recognise the importance of planning for their own future.

“The awareness figures also show where more work is needed. One in three respondents had not heard of an EPA and more than half had not heard of an Advance Healthcare Directive. These are practical planning tools for adults of every age. Starting the conversation early can give people greater confidence that their wishes will be known and respected and can reduce uncertainty for their families.”

The DSS spoke with thousands of people during the three-day event about EPAs and AHDs, the steps involved in making them and the supports available. The DSS is continuing its national public information and engagement work to help more people understand their options and begin planning ahead.

John Farrelly, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, where the DSS is established, said: “The message from the Ploughing is strong: people believe that planning ahead matters. Our task now is to turn that understanding into action by giving people clear information, practical support and the confidence to take the first step.”

Information about EPAs, AHDs and advance planning is available at www.decisionsupportservice.ie and www.advanceplanning.ie. Anyone seeking information or support to make an EPA can contact the DSS EPA Helpdesk at epahelpdesk@decisionsupportservice.ie or call 01 211 9750.