Longford farming: Macra brings Irish young farmer concerns to EU Table

Macra National President Josephine O’Neill, accompanied by members of the organisation, met with MEPs Norbert Lins and Maria Walsh at UCD Lyons Farm recently to discuss the key challenges facing young farmers in Ireland and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The engagement on Thursday, April 9 brought together representatives from Macra, UCD and EU policymakers for a focused discussion on generational renewal and the sustainability of the agricultural sector.

During the visit, Macra outlined the significant barriers currently facing young farmers, with particular emphasis on succession, access to land and access to finance.

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The organisation stressed that without meaningful intervention in these areas, the long-term viability of farming and rural communities will be placed at risk.

Macra also raised concerns regarding the CAP 2027–to-2034 proposals, highlighting the potential impact of a reduced overall budget and the absence of legally binding, ring-fenced funding for young farmers.

In this context, Macra welcomed recent comments from MEP Norbert Lins 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.

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The organisation also emphasised the importance of financial supports, such as installation aid, to provide essential start-up capital for young farmers as they begin their careers.

In addition, Macra 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.

Speaking following the engagement, Macra National President Josephine 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 directly with MEPs Lins and Walsh and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue at EU level to ensure that the final CAP framework delivers real and lasting support for young farmers.