A glimmer of hope for Young Farmers

Confirmation from EU Commissioner Michael McGrath that the inclusion of the draft proposal on the renewal of Ireland’s derogation on the agenda of the EU Nitrates Committee’s next meeting in December is welcomed by Macra.

Macra President Josephine O’Neill welcomes the confirmation from the Commissioner this morning but stresses that “any conditionality attached to the renewal of our derogation needs to be workable for our young farmers but also needs to allow new entrants to secure a derogation.”

Macra has been a key part of all discussions around the renewal of Ireland’s Derogation and continues to urge the Commission to remember Young Farmers to secure the future of farming for generations to come. Macra calls for swift communication surrounding any decisions regarding the renewal of Ireland’s derogation and associated conditionality.

While today’s announcement offers a positive step in the right direction, the uncertainty currently faced by young farmers is negatively impacting their ability to plan for the future.

“Any conditions around the renewal of our derogation need to be issued in a timely manner to allow young farmers to commit to and plan for their farming careers,” states Ms O’Neill. The renewal of the derogation is a glimmer of hope for young people hoping to build their future on family farms across Ireland. O’Neill concludes, “The lights might just remain on in Rural Ireland.”