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Macra has been invited to present on the broader issues associated with CAP reform post 2023   Macra na Feirme will today at 10:30am appear ahead of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture to lay out it’s plans to address restrictions on peat soils for farmers and the need for more investment in generational renewal.   “It’s vital that Ireland commit to no less than 4% of direct payments to be directed to young farmers. This forthcoming CAP is the time to get serious on generational renewal and put money where their mouths are,” said Macra na Feirme National President Thomas Duffy speaking ahead of today’s meeting.  The Committee meeting...

Macra na Feirme welcomes new Results-based Environmental-Agri Pilot Project (REAP) details which were disclosed during a meeting with Macra na Feirme and the Department of Agriculture today, Thursday 15 April. Macra na Feirme have lobbied consistently for results-based schemes to be considered by DAFM and welcomes this as a positive step in developing future schemes.   The inclusion of increased hectare allowances for partnerships has been welcomed by Macra na Feirme, as this will result in increased potential for payments as an important opportunity for young farmers to stake their claim environmentally.  “It reflects that multi-generational partnerships with young farmers are providing benefits to the environment and that deserves recognition in all future environmental scheme limits,” stated Macra na Feirme National President Thomas Duffy.  “While this pilot project is a positive step for farmers, the largest downside is that not enough farmers...

 The Blue Jean Country Queen Festival Committee have announced this week that this year's festival will not go ahead due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. This will be the second consecutive year that the festival has been cancelled. The Macra na Feirme personality contest, which sees women from all over the country and abroad descend on Athboy, Co. Meath each June Bank Holiday Weekend took a significant blow last year with the Covid-19 pandemic reaching our shores just as the Committee announced that both The Blizzards and Jake Carter would be headlining over the Festival weekend. In a statement issued...

Macra highlights concerns planning delays will have on young farmers, risking unintended consequences for the environment. Following a meeting with An Taoiseach Micheal Martin, T.D. and Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, T.D., Macra na Feirme has outlined concerns regarding the delays to the planning process overall and the resultant implications which affect young farmers investing in their industry. These delays pose a significant risk to the aims of generational renewal. Macra na Feirme National President Thomas Duffy highlighted the need for investment in facilities to diversify dairy product output in the face of Brexit to protect...

The results of the Macra na Feirme Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections were announced in the Irish Farm Centre, Dublin and live on Facebook today (Wednesday 7th April). ­­­John Keane becomes the 38th president of Macra na Feirme and the fourth Tipperary Macra member to serve in the role, following in the footsteps of T.J. Maher, Seamus Hayes and P.J Meagher. Of a total poll of 117 John Keane surpassed the quota with 105 votes, a surplus of 45 over the quota. “Thanks to all the clubs and members who voted for me, it is a huge honour to represent the...