Delivery, not promises, critical for Young Farmers warns Macra President

Macra National President, Josephine O’Neill, has today welcomed the long-awaited report of the Commission on Generational Renewal, describing it as a landmark for the future of Irish farming. While hopeful about the recommendations, she stressed that they must now be backed by action.

“The publication of this report is a positive and necessary step,” O’Neill outlined. “For too long, the challenges facing young farmers have been spoken about but not acted on. This report lays out real, practical measures that could transform opportunities for the next generation. But unless they are delivered, they remain only words on paper.”

Among the key recommendations are three measures that Macra has consistently championed:

• A Young Farmers Establishment Fund of €25,000 – to give young people the chance to set up viable, sustainable farm enterprises.
• A Generational Renewal Payment of €25,000 – to support the older generation when at least 90% of farm assets are transferred, providing real encouragement for succession.
• Funding for a National Land Mobility Service – Macra’s Land Mobility Service has been calling on funding for years, so this isn’t a big ask as its already established.

“These proposals recognise both sides of the challenge,” O’Neill explained. “Young people need financial support to get started, while older farmers need reassurance and recognition when passing on the family farm. Together, these measures could unlock land mobility and renew the heartbeat of rural Ireland.”

However, she also issued a note of caution:

“We welcome this report with real hope, but also with real caution. Farmers across Ireland have seen reports before that never came to life. If these measures are not implemented in full, it will be yet another missed opportunity—and our sector cannot afford that. Delivery is what matters now.”

Further, those already in the process of transferring cannot be disadvantaged by the announcement of these recommendations, with O’Neill calling for a retroactive period upon the introduction of these payments.

Concluding, Ms O’Neill called on the Government and the Department of Agriculture to act swiftly.

This press release was published on September 16th 2025