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Macra has welcomed the publication of MEP Maria Walsh's draft report on Generational Renewal in Agriculture, which calls for 10% of the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget to be ring-fenced for young farmers and generational renewal. The organisation said the proposal is a significant step forward in addressing the challenges facing young farmers across Europe and reflects many of the priorities consistently highlighted by Macra at both national and EU level. The draft report identifies key barriers to generational renewal, including access to land, access to finance, succession planning and the need for stronger supports for women in agriculture....

Macra has expressed serious concern following reports that the cost of producing fruit and vegetables in Ireland has risen by almost 4% over the past year, warning that continued cost inflation risks making the sector increasingly unattractive and unviable for young growers. According to the latest Teagasc Horticulture Crop Input Prices report, input costs across the horticulture sector rose by 3.9% between January 2025 and January 2026, with significant increases in fertiliser, labour, energy and transport costs. Fruit production costs increased by 7.5%, while vegetable production rose by 4.7%. Macra said the figures highlight the immense pressures facing horticultural producers,...

Macra has fiercely criticised reports that the Department of Agriculture has been instructed to identify €26 million in cuts ahead of Budget 2027, describing the proposal as a complete betrayal of young farmers and rural Ireland.The organisation said the reports expose a glaring contradiction at the heart of Government policy, with young farmers repeatedly told they are central to Ireland’s climate ambitions, food security and rural development, while the very supports needed to sustain them are now being targeted for cuts.Macra National President Josephine O’Neill said: “As an educator, I understand the importance of funding the sector. However, it is...

Macra has today launched its Pre-Budget 2027 submission, calling on Government to deliver targeted measures that will support young farmers and ensure rural Ireland remains a prosperous, liveable and healthy place to live and work. Macra National President Josephine O'Neill, pictured with Ag Affairs Chairperson Seán Kelly and Rural Youth Chairperson Emma Kate O'Dwyer at the launch of Macra's Pre-Budget Submission ahead of the organisation's AGM on Saturday.  Launched at Macra’s Annual General Meeting, the submission sets out a wide-ranging series of proposals aimed at addressing the key challenges facing young people and young farmers, with a particular emphasis on...

Know Your Ag Science Quiz Winners Presentation Secondary School Wexford, Niamh Donohue, Sadhbh McDonald, Mia Moran Curran and Aoibhínn Kelly, pictured with Jim Power (IASTA), Professor Frank Monahan, Macra National President Josephine O'Neill and teacher Amy Cahill    The hugely successful “Know Your Ag Science” competition returned this year, hosted by Macra and IASTA, in collaboration with University College Dublin. More than 200 fifth-year students from schools across the country gathered at the UCD Astra Hall to put their agricultural science knowledge to the test for a fun but hotly contested quiz. Participants were challenged on a wide range of...