Macra news: ‘Generational renewal crucial for growth’
Speaking at the organisation’s national AGM in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, last weekend, Mr Finan added: “The entry, establishment, and success of young farmers in the early years of farming is dependent on access to CAP schemes like the Young farmer Top-up, National Reserve, access to affordable credit, access to high-quality agricultural education, positive taxation measures, and land mobility incentives.”
In his presidential address, in the Abbey Court Hotel, he said “good progress has been made on some of these issues in the last year, but political will is required from government to advance these issues further”.
Sponsored by Arrabawn Coop and ABP, representatives of Macra’s 31 counties and regions were present a the AGM.
“The immediate priority for the new government needs to be the opening of the young farmer national reserve and reviewing the requirement to have commenced agricultural education by the May 16 closing date,” Mr Finan added, calling on Agriculture Minister Michael Creed to “find the necessary resources”.
Mr Finan also called on the Government to prioritise broadband and mental health services for young people in rural areas.
Meanwhile, as part of the proceedings, Ger Griffin, Munster vice president, was elected as national chairman, with Seán Wallace from Cork and Odile Evans, Lenister vice president, taking up the respective roles of national secretary and national treasurer.
They are joined by 21 new national council representatives and 17 existing representatives.
A new national council is elected every second year at the AGM while a new national executive is elected every year.
A new national executive was established for the year with seven new members from Mayo, Kilkenny, Kildare, Meath, Seandún, Cork, North Tipperary, and Offaly.
Chairpersons of Macra’s three sub-committees, Agricultural Affairs; Rural Youth and Competitions were also elected.
They are James Barber, Laois, Cara O’Mahony, Kildare, and Mary Anne Murphy, Avondhu.
Mr Finan welcomed all the new NCRs and wished them a great term representing their counties.
