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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...

Macra has called on Government to ensure that young farmers are placed at the centre of Ireland’s sustainability and climate transition, following its participation in the National Economic Dialogue (NED) 2026. Under the theme of “Reforming Now for a Secure Future: Putting Future Forty into Practice”, the National Economic Dialogue brought together representatives from across society to discuss priorities for Budget 2027 and Ireland’s long-term economic future. The event focused on key challenges including climate action, economic resilience, public spending and sustainability. During the discussion, Macra highlighted the important role young farmers are already playing in environmental protection, climate action and biodiversity enhancement, while stressing...

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....