Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has committed to keeping generational renewal at the centre of his work, telling members of Macra na Feirme that he intends to continue to “work closely” with the organisation.
Speech to Macra in Adare
The minister made the remarks while addressing Macra’s policy dialogue lunch during its rally in Adare, County Limerick, on Saturday 24 October. The event, held to mark Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union and to discuss the ongoing Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) negotiations, brought young farmers together to outline the challenges they face and to press for measures to make farming a viable career.
“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
The quote above was delivered by Macra president Josephine O’Neill as she welcomed the minister to the lobbying lunch. She called for a CAP that “genuinely delivers” for young farmers and said Macra would work constructively with the Department of Agriculture to keep generational renewal high on the agenda.
Focus on certainty and opportunities
In his address the minister described the current moment as a “pivotal time” for generational renewal and the next generation of farmers. He stressed the need to provide young people with the certainty and support required to see farming as a viable livelihood and said that the Department and Macra must cooperate to secure a vibrant future for the sector.
- Event: Macra policy dialogue lunch, Adare, Co Limerick
- Date: Saturday 24 October
- Main themes: generational renewal, CAP negotiations, youth engagement in farming
Macra invited the minister as part of an event titled ‘Shaping the future of farming’, which focused on Ireland’s EU presidency and the ongoing CAP talks. The minister took the opportunity to speak directly with young farmers in the room, engaging on a one-to-one basis as well as delivering the keynote address.
Josephine O’Neill told attendees that hearing directly from those affected by policy was invaluable and urged the minister to press for CAP outcomes that support young entrants to farming. The organisation reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the Department of Agriculture to ensure young farmers have the support and opportunities needed to build sustainable farm businesses.
No specific CAP measures or funding amounts were announced at the lunch; the coverage given to the event concentrated on the minister’s stated intention to prioritise generational renewal and the exchange between policymakers and young farmers.
