Longford farming: Macra welcomes Minister's focus on generational renewal
Minister Heydon said that he will continue to “work closely” with Macra at what he descried as a “pivotal time” for generational renewal and the next generation of farmers.
Macra welcomes Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon’s commitment on generational renewal being “foremost” in everything he does in the Department of Agriculture.
Speaking at Macra’s Policy Dialogue Lunch during its Rally in Adare, Co Limerick recently, Minister Heydon said that he will continue to “work closely” with Macra at what he descried as a “pivotal time” for generational renewal and the next generation of farmers.
Highlighting the need to provide young farmers with the certainty to consider farming as a viable career, Minister Heydon said that Macra and the Department of Agriculture must work together towards their shared objective of securing a vibrant and strong future for the farming sector.
This sector, he said, must be one that is attractive for the next generation to make a livelihood from agriculture and from food production.
To celebrate Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union and discuss the ongoing CAP negotiations, Macra invited the Minister to a lobbying lunch entitled "Shaping the Future of Farming”. As well as making the keynote address at the lunch, the Minister made his way around the room speaking to young farmers on a one-to-one basis.
Welcoming the Minister to the lobbying lunch Macra President Josephine O’Neill said: “Minister Heydon, today you will hear from young farmers and Macra members themselves.
"My hope is that the event will provide an opportunity for open, honest and constructive discussion allowing our members to share first-hand the challenges they face in agriculture and in rural Ireland.
"While we can highlight issues, present policy proposals and advocate for change, there’s nothing like hearing those experiences from those directly impacted.”
As the CAP negotiations continue, the President called for the Minister to fight for a CAP that “genuinely delivers” for young farmers.
“Macra is committed to working constructively with Minister Heydon and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that generational renewal remains a priority and that young farmers have the support, certainty and opportunities they need to build a viable future in farming.”