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Macra is calling on Government to double the fuel support payment to 40c per litre for all farmers and agricultural contractors, while ensuring that young farmers are prioritised under the extended Fuel Income Support Scheme. Macra is also calling for the scheme to be reopened to all eligible farmers and contractors, including those who did not apply during the previous round. While Macra welcomes An Tánaiste Simon Harris’ confirmation that the fuel support scheme will be extended, the organisation is calling for urgent action, with the scheme reopened before the end of September to ensure farmers can access support while...

Macra has welcomed comments from the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, on day three of the 2026 National Ploughing Championships, where he emphasised the importance of supporting “productive” farmers and “agricultural output”. Macra has historically and strongly held the view that active farmers who are producing food should be prioritised when it comes to CAP support, rather than funding going towards those who simply own or manage land. Macra’s CAP Position Paper calls for support to be targeted towards those who are actively farming and bear the inherent risks associated with the day-to-day running and financial management...

Macra is today (Tuesday) launching its position paper on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) at the 2026 National Ploughing Championships, calling for 10% of CAP funding to be ring-fenced for generational renewal and for Ireland to show greater ambition in supporting the next generation of farmers. The launch will take place between 1.30 and 2:00 pm at Macra's stand at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Co. Tullamore. (Stand 207, Row 11, Block 4). Media and elected representatives are invited to attend.  Launching the paper, Macra President Josephine O’Neill said the next CAP (2028 to 2034) will be one...

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...