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Macra has responded to comments by MEP Luke 'Ming' Flanagan that young people would be "insane" to enter farming under current conditions, saying that while the remarks are stark, they reflect the very real frustrations and challenges facing the next generation of farmers. Macra noted that the number of young farmers continues to decline, with the average age of farmers steadily increasing and just a small proportion of farmers now under the age of 35.  The organisation said that young people entering farming today face a multitude of challenges, including soaring input costs, difficulties accessing land and finance, uncertainty around...

Macra has welcomed the Government's approval of new one-off rural housing guidelines, describing the decision as an important step towards allowing young people to remain living in the rural communities where they grew up. For many young people across rural Ireland, building a home close to family, work and established support networks has become increasingly difficult due to restrictive and inconsistent planning policies. Macra has consistently campaigned for reforms that recognise the importance of sustaining rural communities by allowing young people to live and build their futures in the places they call home. Macra National President Josephine O'Neill said: "Many...

Macra has welcomed the European Parliament's approval of new rules governing New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), describing the decision as a positive step towards supporting innovation, sustainability and resilience within European agriculture. The organisation said the development has the potential to provide farmers with additional tools to address some of the significant challenges facing food production, including climatechange, pest and disease pressures, and the need to improve resource efficiency. The new rules will distinguish between plants developed through certain genomic techniques that could occur naturally or through conventional breeding, and those requiring stricter regulatory oversight. The legislation aims to facilitate the development of crop varieties that...

Responding to the latest EPA water quality report, Macra expressed disappointment that the significant efforts and investments made by farmers in recent years are not yet being more clearly reflected in water quality outcomes. The organisation reiterated that improving and protecting water quality must remain a top priority, while emphasising that meaningful progress can only be achieved through practical, evidence-based measuresthat support farmers rather than place additional burdens upon them. Macra noted that young farmers are committed to adopting sustainable farming practices and have demonstrated a willingness to embrace change where it is supported by advice, clear scientific evidence and appropriate funding. The organisation emphasised...

Macra has welcomed Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon's commitments placing generational renewal at the centre of Ireland’s priorities for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Speaking at the Department of Agriculture’s EU Presidency Stakeholder Event in Portlaoise on Wednesday, June 17th, Minister Heydon repeatedly highlighted the importance of supporting the next generation of farmers. This focus was welcomed by Macra President Josephine O’Neill, whose organisation represents more than 16,000 young farmers and rural young people across Ireland. Generational renewal remains one of the most significant challenges facing Irish and European agriculture, an...