Phil Hogan recalls fond UCC Macra memories
“I have nothing but fond memories of my own days with Macra UCC, and I’m glad to hear the branch is still going strong,” Mr Hogan told delegates at the Riverside Park Hotel in Macroom, Co Cork.
Also in attendance was Macra national president Seán Finan, and former Macra president and current president of CEJA (the European Council of Young Farmers), Alan Jagoe.
Mr Hogan said his “main message” for those at the conference was that the European Commission “is firmly on the side of young farmers”.
“We recognise and value that the future of farming and agribusiness belongs to you. We need your energy and new ideas,” he said.
He said the the reformed CAP aims to encourage young people to set up or take over holdings and seeks to diversify income opportunities by providing non-agricultural opportunities in rural areas.
“Therefore, the support provided through both pillars of the CAP to young farmers should increase the competitiveness and sustainability of farming in Europe,” Mr Hogan said.
Under the first pillar, young farmers can get compulsory payments under the direct payment system.
The second pillar provides states with options focusing more on the specific needs of young farmers.
The budget has been increased to €395 million, with a special provision for young farmers to apply for up to 60% funding aid, towards a maximum total investment of €80,000. “Numerous CAP provisions aim to encourage young innovators to see farming as an attractive, hi-tech and rewarding career choice,” he said.
“However, we cannot lose sight of the environmental dimension. Stark reality informs us that our land banks are finite. So we still face the fundamental challenge of how to increase production while respecting our natural resources – in other words, how to produce more, using less.”
The agriculture commissioner said that in order to achieve “sustainable intensification”, the power of innovation must be harnessed, and that further training opportunities and forums for collaboration “will be the key”.
The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development supports knowledge transfer activities. “Tailor-made advice to respond to farmers’ specific needs is also supported under the second pillar of the CAP,” he said.
However, he acknowledged concerns, adding: “I know you feel more needs to be done at European level to improve these opportunities, and I will listen closely to any proposals you have.”
He also “saluted” the work of Macra’s Land Mobility and Collaborative Farming Arrangements.
Turning to the question of credit, Mr Hogan said: “Accessing finance remains the greatest obstacle for many young farmers’ development.”
He said the commission and the European Investment Bank have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop financial instruments.
“The design will reflect the need for preferable conditions for young farmers as well as price volatility in repayment schemes,” he said. “You, Ireland’s young farmers, have massive potential to be more productive, more sustainable, and more profitable than your predecessors,” he concluded.
