Making numbers add up for future generations

It’s an exciting time for Macra na Feirme national president Alan Jagoe.

Things are never quiet in Macra, but it has been busier than ever lately, with Jagoe recently launching Macra’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition.

Macra has been running the event for 14 years with sponsors FBD and partners the IFA. Farmers who show innovation and business acumen in running their farm, and a conscientious approach to farm safety, are being sought for the competition.

Jagoe was also on a 15-hour flight to China in the 132-strong trade delegation representing Irish agri-food with Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

* What are the prospects for Irish dairy exporters in a far-off market like China, where New Zealand and Australia companies are well established?

>>There is excellent potential for Irish exports to China. The Chinese are obsessed with food safety and the protocols that we, as Irish farmers, are implementing in terms of traceability and sustainability. These efforts really appeal to them. The biggest problem as it currently stands are the high import tariffs that countries like Ireland must pay (NZ have a trade agreement in place with China) and gives us an uncompetitive start.

* What is the most promising area for Irish agri-exports to China?

>>Hard to name one, but dairying in terms of infant formula and the seafood areas are two of the most promising and very realistic.

* You have warned that Irish farmers will have to pay more for imported feed when agriculture gets up and running in China. Could it eventually become a big food exporter rather than a possible destination for Irish exports?

>>Due to the lack of large amounts of quality feed within China, they are importing huge amounts of feed into the country which I believe may have a knock-on effect for Irish farmers long term as China soaks up so much extra feed. I don’t believe they will become a big food exporter. Their population currently stands at 1.35 billion people and continues to grow.

* Is there a generation gap opening up in Irish farming due to the older generation protecting single farm payments, which leaves younger farmers at an economic disadvantage?

>>The statistics show that just 5% of farmers under the age of 35 receive a Single Farm Payment while 28% of all farmers are over 65 and in receipt of an SFP. Thus CAP needs to focus on helping young farmers to start up and older farmers to retire with dignity so that the industry as a whole can be more productive and generate more income.

* What is Macra’s policy position on the EU proposal for an SFP reference year in 2014, and the later proposal that only farmers who got SFP in 2011 can be considered?

>>Provision has to be made for farmers starting farming after 2011. The SFP National Reserve is one mechanism that will provide for young farmers who start up after the reference year. Macra policy all along has been for a rolling reference year model where a farmer’s level of SFP would be related to the production activity of the previous year. Each year this reference year would move on one year ie ‘a rolling reference year’ to determine the level of SFP for each active farmer based on their level of farming activity. The effect of this model would be to encourage active farmers to compete for their SFP on an annual basis. The overall national level of SFP would not change but the distribution of the SFP would favour active and more progressive farmers. The benefit of such a model is to reward active farmers. And it avoids the pitfalls of historical or fixed reference years.

* Despite such problems, are most of Macra’s farming members happy with their lot?

>>Young trained farmers are eager to contribute and develop their farm enterprises and contribute to the rural economy.

* What share of Macra members are involved significantly in farming, what ratio are from non-farming backgrounds?

>>More than 40% of members are directly involved in agriculture. Most members are from farming backgrounds even if they are not directly working in agriculture, but less than 10% of members would be from non-farming backgrounds.

* From dealing with non-farming people in Macra, do you find that many have little real understanding of farming life?

>>There is a great understanding and appreciation of the work that farmers do. Our non-farming members are fascinated by the entire agri-programme that we offer and quite often we have many non-farming members trying their hand at some of our farming activities.

* The organisation seems to be going from strength to strength. How many new clubs and members are you getting?

>>We continue to strive to provide our members with their requirements in terms of training, personal development, a social outlet and a chance to take part in what interests them. Membership rose by 9% in Mar 2012 versus Mar 2011 and 15 new clubs have been established since Oct 2011.

* You are looking for innovation, business acumen and a conscientious approach to farm safety in the FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition. Do young farmers have enough training and education opportunities to make the most of these attributes?

>>The work carried out by Teagasc in their Ag colleges is a fantastic basis for any young farmer. Young farmers must update their skills periodically by making the most of the informal training available to them through Macra — discussion groups, travel and engaging with professional advisors. All young farmers should enter the FDB Young Farmer of the Year competition and receive recognition for their work.

The information they need is on www.macra.ie.