Ireland's EU Presidency Must Deliver for Young Farmers – Macra

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 issue continuously highlighted by O'Neill and her organisation.
Addressing the event, O’Neill called on the Irish Government to use its Presidency to secure legally binding ring-fenced funding for young farmers within the next Common Agricultural Policy.

"The European Commission has recognised the urgency of generational renewal and has made ambitious promises in the CAP proposals. However, ambition alone is not enough," said O’Neill. "Without legally binding ring-fenced funding, there is no guarantee that these commitments will translate into meaningful supports for young farmers on the ground."

Macra, alongside its European partner organisation CEJA, has consistently advocated for 10% of CAP funding to be ring-fenced for young farmers and generational renewal measures. While the European Strategy on Generational Renewal recommends a minimum allocation of 6%, concerns remain that proposed reductions in the overall CAP budget could undermine these commitments.

When questioned by O’Neill on his support for ring-fenced funding, Minister Heydon acknowledged the challenge posed by the proposed 20% reduction in CAP funding, noting that while Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen has demonstrated strong ambition on generational renewal, budgetary pressures remain a significant obstacle.

"If Europe is serious about generational renewal, then the budget must reflect that ambition," O’Neill continued. "Ireland’s EU Presidency presents a unique opportunity to ensure that young farmers are not left behind in future CAP negotiations. Minister Heydon must fight to secure a protected CAP budget for young farmers and generational renewal."

O’Neill also renewed Macra’s call for the introduction of installation aid for young farmers in Ireland, highlighting that Ireland remains the only EU Member State that does not provide this critical support.

"Installation aid provides young farmers with the starter capital needed to invest in stock, machinery, land and infrastructure at the beginning of their careers," said O’Neill. "It is simply unacceptable that Ireland is now the only country in the European Union failing to provide this support to its young farmers."

Minister Heydon acknowledged the value of installation aid, recalling the role it played in supporting his own farming journey.

"Young Irish farmers deserve the same opportunities as their European counterparts," O’Neill added. "Ireland’s Presidency must be used to deliver a level playing field and ensure that the next generation has the supports needed to enter, establish and thrive in farming." 

Macra looks forward to continuing its engagement with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and European policymakers to ensure that generational renewal remains a central priority in future CAP negotiations.