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Macra National President Josephine O’Neill has called for the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) to be reconvened urgently amid ongoing drought warnings and growing concerns over fodder supplies for the coming months.Ms O’Neill raised the issue directly with the Minister for Agriculture at a meeting on 22 July, calling for the committee to be reconvened. She subsequently followed up in writing to the Minister on 29 July, reiterating the urgency of the situation.“Action appears to be slow, but we cannot afford to keep waiting until it is too late,” said Ms O’Neill. “The continued dry conditions are putting...

Macra has expressed serious concern following the announcement that Brittany Ferries will cease transporting livestock from Ireland from September, warning that the decision represents another significant setback for competition within the Irish livestock export market.The organisation said the loss of another livestock transport operator further weakens Ireland's live export capacity and risks reducing competition for Irish farmers, particularly those relying on the live export trade as an alternative market outlet.Macra National President Josephine O'Neill said: “This is another blow to competition in the Irish livestock sector. Irish young farmers have lost choice and bargaining power which will no doubt further...

Macra has officially launched its landmark 60th National Autumn Conference, known as the “Rally”, which will take place from Friday, 23rd October to Sunday, 25th October 2026 at the Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, Adare, Co. Limerick.  Pictured at the launch of the 2026 Macra Annual Conference L-R Louise Crowley, Ashley Primrose (Rally Committee members), James Tangney (Chair of Kinisla), Pat Murphy (CEO of Kinisla), Josephine O'Neill (National President of Macra), Elaine Houlihan (Limerick Rally Chairperson), James O'Connell (Director of Agribusiness & Sustainability) & Ciaran Sexton (Chairperson of Limerick Macra) Hosted by Limerick Macra and proudly supported by Kinisla as...

Macra has called on Government to ensure that unspent funding previously committed to supporting farmers through the fuel crisis remains within the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and is immediately redirected towards the mounting challenges now facing the sector. The organisation said Irish farmers are once again facing exceptional financial pressures, with soaring fertiliser costs, an emerging fodder crisis following a prolonged period of hot, dry weather and increased demand on existing support schemes. Macra warned that these challenges cannot be addressed without adequate financial backing from Government. Macra National President Josephine O'Neill highlighted, "Farmers are under increasing pressure from...

Macra has responded to the publication of the European Commission's evaluation of the Nitrates Directive, saying the report reinforces the need for a balanced and practical approach to improving water quality that recognises both the progress made by farmers and the challenges that remain. The European Commission's evaluation concludes that the Nitrates Directive remains an effective and relevant tool in protecting water quality across the European Union, while also identifying the need for smarter implementation and improved delivery of measures on the ground.  Macra National President Josephine O'Neill said: “Young farmers are fully committed to improving water quality and recognise...