Macra raises young farmer concerns at EU level
Macra outlined the significant barriers currently facing young farmers, with particular emphasis on succession, access to land and access to finance.
Without meaningful intervention, the long-term viability of farming and rural communities will be placed at risk, MEPs were told.
On April 9, Macra na Feirme president Josephine O’Neill met with MEPs Norbert Lins and Maria Walsh to discuss key challenges facing young farmers in Ireland and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
During the meeting, Macra outlined the significant barriers currently facing young farmers, with particular emphasis on succession, access to land and access to finance.
Macra also raised concerns regarding the CAP 2027-2034 proposals, highlighting the potential impacts of a reduced overall budget and the absence of legally binding, ring-fenced funding for young farmers.
The organisation welcomed Mr Lins' recent comments in favour of supporting the allocation of 6% of CAP funding to young farmers, noting this as a positive and necessary step.
Key priorities outlined by Macra included the need for legally binding, ring-fenced funding for young farmers within the CAP proposals, alongside greater simplification of schemes to ensure they are both accessible and effective.Â
Macra also emphasised the importance of financial support, such as installation aid, to provide essential start-up capital for young farmers as they begin their careers.
In addition, the organisation called for stronger generational renewal measures, including the development of a structured succession scheme to support both the young farmer and the transferring farmer, as well as the continued support and expansion of initiatives such as the Land Mobility Service.
Following the engagement, Ms O’Neill said: "While we welcome the increased focus on generational renewal in the CAP proposals, strategies or reports cannot be produced just to gather dust on shelves.
"Instead, we call for the development of meaningful measures that support both the young and older farmers to encourage generational renewal. We also welcome the clear support at EU level for a 6% allocation to young farmers; however, this must be legally underpinned in the final proposals to secure a viable future for the next generation."
Macra welcomed the opportunity to engage with Mr Lins and Ms Walsh and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue at EU level to ensure the final CAP framework delivers real and lasting support for young farmers.
