Manifesto puts access to land in spotlight
It sets out the key issues for young farmers and rural youth which Macra feels candidates must address.
Among the issues raised in the manifesto is the need for young farmers to be involved in the decision-making process on farms and installed on holdings at a young age, when they have the energy and time to develop their enterprises and time to achieve their full potential.
On the viability of the family farm, Macra believes the market for agricultural produce for various enterprises often fails to deliver a margin to cover the costs of production.
“We have a strong family-farming model that should be protected,” Macra states.
On access to land, Macra points out that structural issues, particularly around access to and use of land, currently prove a constraint on increasing output and hamper young farmers from getting a viable start.
The organisation also says that ongoing reinvestment in farm businesses is essential to ensure future viability but, it says, this is challenging in an era of low margins and price volatility. It encourages access to credit on terms that are favourable to young farmers, pointing out that cashflow can put enormous strain on new entrants to farming.
The organisation also says that access to agricultural education and advice and up-skilling opportunities are essential and is also calling on the future government to work to ensure that future CAP reforms are targeted at active farmers instead of all landowners. It also says EU and national schemes need to be accessible and favourable to all young farmers.
It adds that a well-funded national reserve is essential to ensure young farmers who begin farming from now to 2020 with no or low basic payment can access entitlements.
Claire Sutton macra@examiner.ie
