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This article is the fourth of a series of articles on mental health from our partner Turn2me  What does it mean to “Challenge Yourself”?  How does it personally resonate with you?  Maybe let it sit with you for a while, give it some thought…. Do you take on new tasks?  Approach thing differently? A challenge is different than a decision, it is like a dare, it can make you a little uncomfortable, courageous almost, there can be some uncertainty while we carry it out.  The more we challenge ourselves the more decisive we get about our destination, even if we encounter barriers...

In recent weeks Macra na Feirme has engaged in a nationwide consultation with its members on the topic of rural housing and planning.   The preliminary findings from this consultation have highlighted three major issues with rural housing and planning namely, lack of consistency across local authorities both in terms of planning requirements and cost associated with planning, delays in planning approval relating to minor aesthetic features and divergences relating to the implementation of local area plans.   In light of the pandemic and the associated evolution in working arrangements, attendees also highlighted the importance of ensuring that infrastructure in rural areas is comparable with services in larger urban settings.   Issues such as...

Macra na Feirme National President John Keane has encouraged Macra members to “get behind” the planned IFA Farm Family Rally on Sunday 21st November. Macra na Feirme have consistently called on the Government to recognise the importance of encouraging the next generation into agriculture. “Young farmers are the future of our agricultural and food production industry.  We recognise that environmental sustainability is vitally important for ourselves, our families and the future generations of farm families, and we also recognise that economic and social sustainability are equally as important future of the agri-business industry and wider rural communities”, said President Keane....

This article is the third of a series of articles on mental health from our partner Turn2me  “How are you? I’m grand….” We ask this question so often in this country, it could be the new “hello.” Do you wait for an answer? When asked, do you mumble “I’m grand”? When was the last time you asked yourself “How am I?” answered the question truthfully, were honest with yourself! The truth is we cannot all be “grand” all the time, it is not reflective of real life. Talking about how we feel does not come naturally to a lot of...

Macra na Feirme will be part of the Irish delegation attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) next week in Glasgow. COP26 is considered the last-chance to secure agreement on making the necessary changes to emissions in order to limit climate change to a 1.5 degree increase.   The Conference begins this weekend with world leaders gathering to negotiate and make commitments to deliver on the needs to address the climate change challenge.  Young people across Ireland are acutely aware of the need for action in relation to climate change, the message from Irish young farmers and rural youth is clear, we need policies to...