Survey shows young farmers have broad range of concerns
These are just some of the revelations contained in a major new study carried out by Macra in association with FBD.
Last week, Macra released the results of a Macra/FBD survey in which Ireland’s young farmers have their say on issues affecting their future. The survey paints a picture of young farmers as dedicated and forward-thinking, but with serious concerns over the future of their way of life.
The respondents, 102 in total, were all participants in the FBD Young Farmer of the Future Competition, which is now in its fourth year. This year’s final will take place on September 3/4 in Navan. Interviewed by telephone, all those surveyed were under 35 years of age. Issues raised in the survey included rural depression, the upcoming Nice referendum as well as agricultural issues specific to young farmers.
While two thirds reported being concerned or pessimistic about their future in farming, even more, 76%, said stress and/or depression was a concern in rural areas, with most agreeing there wasn’t enough being done to tackle the problems. What emerges from the survey is a picture of a significant section of Irish society facing up to difficulty with an uncertain outlook.
"These results are very worrying as the respondents to this survey are representative of their Macra clubs and the wider rural community," said Macra President Seamus Phelan. "Stress and depression are being recognised as areas of major concern in rural areas, relating - as they do - to the rise in suicide in rural Ireland, particularly amongst young men. While these problems are by no means restricted to rural Ireland I believe they can have particularly daunting effects in remote areas of the country where help may be more difficult to find.”
Mr Phelan called on the Government to take immediate measures to tackle this problem, as a matter of urgency.
The survey also showed that young farmers are committed to their work, with 70% stating that they do not earn any off-farm income - 60% of these are farmers in their own right.
Macra believes that, taken in the context of the challenges currently facing the agricultural industry, these figures demonstrate the remarkable courage and dedication of our young farmers.
The survey showed that the main issues of concern for young farmers are production costs (29% of respondents cited this as a major area of concern); expansion opportunities (27% cited this as a major area of concern); and the CAP proposals (19% cited this as a major area of concern).
The Macra/FBD survey showed that young farmers avail of most of the agricultural supports available to them, including Stamp Duty exemption, stock relief and Installation Aid.
In this regard, the survey showed that 72% of young farmers do not believe the CAP proposals will benefit Irish agriculture. However, 66% said they would take land if it became more available under the Early Retirement scheme. This shows that young farmers are frustrated at the lack of progress on the part of the Dept of Agriculture in implementing and making the scheme more attractive to individuals intending to retire out of farming.
Forty per cent said they will vote yes in the Nice referendum while 18% said they will be voting no.
However, commenting on this result, Macra president Seamus Phelan has warned the Government that there is no room for complacency regarding the Nice campaign, pointing out that 39% of respondents said that they are still undecided.
He said, “With only 3% of respondents indicating that they won't vote in the Nice Referendum, it is clear that Ireland’s young farmers are very politically aware, especially with regard to EU issues.”
