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Confirmation from EU Commissioner Michael McGrath that the inclusion of the draft proposal on the renewal of Ireland’s derogation on the agenda of the EU Nitrates Committee’s next meeting in December is welcomed by Macra. Macra President Josephine O’Neill welcomes the confirmation from the Commissioner this morning but stresses that “any conditionality attached to the renewal of our derogation needs to be workable for our young farmers but also needs to allow new entrants to secure a derogation.” Macra has been a key part of all discussions around the renewal of Ireland’s Derogation and continues to urge the Commission to...

Macra has issued a strong warning to the Government in the wake of last night’s Private Members’ Bill in the Dáil, sharply criticising the EU-Mercosur trade agreement and insisting that Ireland must not support any deal that undermines Irish farmers in pursuit of broader EU trade objectives. The debate, and the visible backing from farming organisations present in the chamber, highlighted a united stance across the sector. For Ireland’s beef and poultry sectors in particular, Mercosur represents the most serious external threat in a generation, with the potential to inflict lasting economic damage on farm families and on the wider...

Macra President Josephine O’Neill has warned that the potential loss of Ireland’s nitrates derogation would have “devastating consequences” for young farmers, new entrants, and the long-term sustainability of Irish agriculture. Speaking at the National Nitrates Derogation event held in Corrin Mart, O’Neill said that while the nitrates derogation issue is a concern for all farmers, “it is potentially devastating for our young farmers, new entrants, and the future of our sector.” “For decades, we’ve spoken about the need for generational renewal in Irish agriculture,” she said. “We’ve encouraged young people to study agriculture, to take the reins of their family...

Macra President Josephine O’Neill has issued a mixed reaction to Budget 2026, welcoming key investments and supports for rural communities and the agriculture sector, while strongly criticising the Government for once again failing to deliver meaningful measures to support generational renewal. Speaking after the Budget announcement, Ms. O’Neill stated: “There are aspects of today’s Budget that deserve to be acknowledged and welcomed. The extension of essential agricultural tax reliefs that Macra had sought including the 100% Young Trained Farmer Stamp Duty Relief, Farm Restructuring Capital Gains Tax Relief and Farm Consolidation Stamp Duty Relief along with Accelerated Capital Allowance for...

Macra National President Josephine O’Neill has called on the Government to ensure that this year’s National Budget delivers meaningful support for young farmers and rural communities, highlighting several key policy priorities that must be addressed if rural Ireland is to thrive into the future. Speaking ahead of Budget Day, Ms. O’Neill stated: “This Budget is a critical moment to show young people living and working in rural Ireland that their future matters. The decisions made now will determine whether the next generation can continue to farm, build communities, and sustain rural life. We need more than token gestures — we...