Macra announces CAP consultation findings

Macra has unveiled its CAP 2020 consultation findings. A policy document was compiled following five consultations around the country earlier this year.

National president Seán Finan with vice-president of the European Parliament Mairead McGuinness, and Thomas Duffy, vice chair of the Macra agriculture affairs committee.

Last week, national president Seán Finan and Thomas Duffy, vice chairperson of the Macra na Feirme Agriculture Affairs Committee, were among those who travelled to Brussels to present the paper to Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, members of the EU Parliament, and member organisations of the European Council of Young Farmers.

Mr Finan said: “Macra na Feirme’s progressive and visionary policy proposes significant change to encourage generational renewal and to support active farmers of all ages.”

The policy advocates for mandatory start-up aid

and young farmer top-up for all farmers up to the age of 40 and the abolition of the five-year rule to ensure equal treatment and access to measures for all.

On the issue of succession, Macra’s proposal offers the EU Commission a clear inter-generational succession planning model to aid the exit from the industry of older farmers who want to retire.

“Our proposal includes a mandatory completion of a farm succession plan at 63, with a transitional payment available for farmers between 65 and 70 years,” Mr Finan said.

“For farmers over 70, in order to continue to receive a CAP payment, we are proposing that they must enter a collaborative farming arrangement.”