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At the Annual General Meeting of Macra na Feirme, delegates from across the country gathered via video conference to witness the handover from Cavan man Thomas Duffy to Laois native and North Tipperary Macra member, John Keane.   In his inaugural address as the 38th National President of Macra na Feirme, John Keane urged the Government, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Minister Charlie McConalogue to “be brave, back our young farmers”.   “There are many challenges facing young farmers: the environment, carbon and habitat loss, and changes in the future CAP are combining to create economic uncertainty in many sectors.  What we as young farmer...

Macra has today launched its position on CAP Green Architecture and proposed eco-schemes from 2023 Speaking at today’s launch of the ‘Lean and Green; Macra na Feirme’s vision on the Green Architecture of CAP post-2023’ document, Macra National President Thomas Duffy stated the importance of a clear vision for the environmental elements of the next CAP. “This is something we must be proactive about, young farmers will be affected by this reform for years to come,” said Macra President Duffy, “but young farmers also need to be put at the fore of all future environmental measures. The greater value for...

Macra has been invited to present on the broader issues associated with CAP reform post 2023   Macra na Feirme will today at 10:30am appear ahead of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture to lay out it’s plans to address restrictions on peat soils for farmers and the need for more investment in generational renewal.   “It’s vital that Ireland commit to no less than 4% of direct payments to be directed to young farmers. This forthcoming CAP is the time to get serious on generational renewal and put money where their mouths are,” said Macra na Feirme National President Thomas Duffy speaking ahead of today’s meeting.  The Committee meeting...

Macra na Feirme welcomes new Results-based Environmental-Agri Pilot Project (REAP) details which were disclosed during a meeting with Macra na Feirme and the Department of Agriculture today, Thursday 15 April. Macra na Feirme have lobbied consistently for results-based schemes to be considered by DAFM and welcomes this as a positive step in developing future schemes.   The inclusion of increased hectare allowances for partnerships has been welcomed by Macra na Feirme, as this will result in increased potential for payments as an important opportunity for young farmers to stake their claim environmentally.  “It reflects that multi-generational partnerships with young farmers are providing benefits to the environment and that deserves recognition in all future environmental scheme limits,” stated Macra na Feirme National President Thomas Duffy.  “While this pilot project is a positive step for farmers, the largest downside is that not enough farmers...

 The Blue Jean Country Queen Festival Committee have announced this week that this year's festival will not go ahead due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. This will be the second consecutive year that the festival has been cancelled. The Macra na Feirme personality contest, which sees women from all over the country and abroad descend on Athboy, Co. Meath each June Bank Holiday Weekend took a significant blow last year with the Covid-19 pandemic reaching our shores just as the Committee announced that both The Blizzards and Jake Carter would be headlining over the Festival weekend. In a statement issued...