Macra Welcomes Strong EU Signal on Young Farmers

Macra has welcomed the publication of MEP Maria Walsh's draft report on Generational Renewal in Agriculture, which calls for 10% of the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget to be ring-fenced for young farmers and generational renewal.

The organisation said the proposal is a significant step forward in addressing the challenges facing young farmers across Europe and reflects many of the priorities consistently highlighted by Macra at both national and EU level.

The draft report identifies key barriers to generational renewal, including access to land, access to finance, succession planning and the need for stronger supports for women in agriculture. It also calls for the expansion of land mobility initiatives and enhanced supports for young farmers entering the sector.

Macra National President Josephine O'Neill said: "Young farmers continue to experience significant and wide-reaching challenges as they begin their farming careers. While it is positive to see our call for ringfenced funding for young farmers gaining traction, it is vital that these recommendations are adopted in the forthcoming CAP proposals. Generational renewal can no longer be a buzzword; meaningful action and targeted funding are required to ensure our young farmers have a future in agriculture"

Macra reiterated its calls for dedicated installation aid for young farmers, the development of structured succession supports, continued investment in land mobility initiatives and simplification of CAP measures to ensure supports are accessible and effective.

The organisation said it looks forward to continuing engagement with Irish and European policymakers as negotiations on the next CAP progress and will continue to advocate for strong, legally binding measures that deliver real opportunities for the next generation of farmers.