Irish stakeholders invited to shape EU Parliament generational renewal report

MEP Maria Walsh calls for young farmers and representing organisations to have their say in EU Parliament report on generational renewal

MEP Maria Walsh: 'Too many young people want to farm but are held back by cost, uncertainty and barriers that simply make it too difficult to get started. This report is an opportunity to set out exactly what needs to change and how we deliver it.'

Irish stakeholders are invited to submit views on generational renewal in farming, ahead of a European Parliament report.

As the parliament’s lead negotiator on generational renewal, MEP Maria Walsh is seeking input from young farmers, farming organisations, academics, rural groups, financial institutions and all those with an interest in the future of Irish and European agriculture.

The report is set to help shape the European Parliament’s position on how the EU can better support the next generation of farmers at a critical moment for the sector.

MEP Walsh said: “We are facing a real and urgent question — who will farm our land into the future? The average age of farmers in Ireland is now close to 60, and the number of young farmers continues to decline. As the European Parliament’s lead negotiator on generational renewal, I am actively working to change this, and that is why I am launching a call for submissions from across the Irish agricultural sector.” 

Ms Walsh said she wanted parliament’s position on generational renewal to reflect the reality of farming today, leading to her call to hear from young farmers, those trying to enter the sector and from the organisations and experts working with them to voice their opinions for the report.

“Submissions do not need to be long but they should be focused and constructive. I would strongly encourage people to include real examples that could be implemented at EU level. Submissions can be made easily through my website,” Ms Walsh explained.

“Too many young people want to farm but are held back by cost, uncertainty and barriers that simply make it too difficult to get started. This report is an opportunity to set out exactly what needs to change and how we deliver it.

Ireland has shown leadership on generational renewal, and we have strong and innovative ideas coming from across the sector. I want to make sure these voices are heard loud and clear in Brussels.

“This is about securing the future of farming and rural communities across Ireland. If we get generational renewal right, we protect not just our farms, but the fabric of rural Ireland itself.”

The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 8.