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Macra calls for urgent action to protect Ireland’s horticulture sector and strengthen food security as Ireland’s reliance on imported fruit and vegetables soars. This comes as a new report from the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) warns that climate-related crop failures and supply-chain disruption overseas could leave Ireland increasingly exposed. The Council’s Annual Review 2026 highlights that approximately 83% of fruit and vegetables consumed in Ireland are imported, while the number of commercial vegetable growers on our island has fallen to fewer than 70, compared with more than 600 in the 1990s. Macra National President, Josephine O'Neill, noted, “It is welcome...

Dublin’s Shane Halpin has been named the 2026 FBD Young Farmer of the Year, becoming the first winner from Dublin in the competition’s history. The announcement was made at this evening’s FBD Young Farmer of the Year awards banquet at the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co. Laois.Shane runs Welgro Produce with business partner Sean, growing seven acres of cucumbers across multiple sites in North County Dublin. Having been involved in farming, particularly horticulture, from a young age, Shane established Welgro in 2021 on a leased three-acre nursery.The enterprise has expanded each season, with an additional nursery purchased in 2023 more than...

The finalists for the 2026 FBD Young Farmer of the Year have been announced, with the competition now entering its final stage. The finalists were announced earlier today, Tuesday 8 September, at The Heritage Hotel, Killenard. They will now face individual interviews with the judging panel before the winners are revealed at this evening’s awards banquet.The competition, sponsored by FBD and run by Macra na Feirme in partnership with IFA and Macra Agricultural Skillnet, recognises the achievements, innovation and commitment of young farmers across a range of farming enterprises.Following a highly competitive application process, finalists have been selected across the...

Macra has welcomed the suspension of Brazilian beef and other animal product imports into the EU from today, describing the decision as a significant step towards protecting a level playing field for Irish and European farmers.  The suspension follows concerns regarding Brazil's compliance with EU rules on the use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals. Brazil has been excluded from the list of countries authorised to export these products to the EU until it can demonstrate compliance with the bloc's requirements. Macra National President Josephine O'Neill said: “The decision to suspend Brazilian beef imports from Thursday is a welcome and significant...

Macra has called for urgent action to support young farmers facing mounting financial and fodder pressures as prolonged dry weather continues to impact farms across the country.  Macra joined other farming organisations in meeting Minister Martin Heydon, highlighting that many young farmers are already feeding winter fodder and purchasing concentrates due to poor grass growth, adding further pressure to already tight cash flows.  Macra President Josephine O’Neill said: “Young farmers are facing another significant and unforeseen cost. Many are feeding silage intended for the winter while purchasing concentrates far earlier than planned. With margins already extremely tight, this is creating...