Macra president: Young farmers have central role to play in debates

YOUNG farmers have a vital role to play in the current national and EU level debates which will effectively dictate how their futures pan out in the industry, according to Macra na Feirme national president Michael Gowing.

The young farmer group leader said that the need to incorporate young farmers’ views into the CAP reform debate will be a core subject at this weekend’s Macra na Feirme Young Farmer Agricultural Conference in the Arklow Bay Hotel, Co Wicklow.

Michael Gowing said: “Young farmers and new entrants to agriculture are a ready supply of the much sought after entrepreneurs that will play a vital role in economic recovery and the development of Ireland’s smart economy and the Government must ensure that young farmers are encouraged to remain in the agricultural industry through young farmer start-up packages and targeted supports.