Macra President highlights declining number of Young Farmers

Macra National President, Josephine O’Neill, today sounded the alarm on the declining number of young farmers across Ireland, warning that the future of Irish agriculture and rural life depends on reversing this trend.

“In recent decades, we have seen a worrying fall in the number of young people entering farming,” stated O’Neill. “The average age of Irish farmers continues to rise, yet across the country, we meet young men and women who want nothing more than to build a life on the land.

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The problem is not a lack of ambition—it is the barriers that stand in their way.”

O’Neill pointed to the challenges faced by young people who want to farm:

Lack of access to land, with high prices and limited availability.

Difficulty in securing finance, making entry into the sector next to impossible.

Uncertainty around succession, which delays opportunities for the next generation.

Insufficient policy supports, leaving many unable to compete or innovate.

“Time and again, young people tell us they want to farm. They want to produce food sustainably, care for animals, adopt new technologies, and contribute to vibrant rural communities. What they need is a clear pathway and real support,” she said.

Macra is calling for:

Stronger incentives for farm succession.

Financial supports tailored to new entrants.

Greater recognition of the role young farmers in Policy.

“This is not just about numbers,” concluded O’Neill.

“It’s about ensuring that the young people who have the passion and energy to farm are actually given the chance to do so. Without them, our rural communities and our national food security are at risk. Government must act now to make farming a viable and attractive option for the next generation.”

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“We await the publication of the Commission on Generational Renewal’s report with anticipation, but also with caution. What matters now is the Government and the Department of Agriculture showing real commitment to generational renewal and ensuring that the recommendations in this report are implemented. To ignore it would be to abandon an entire generation of young farmers.”