News RSS

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....

Macra has expressed serious concern following reports that the cost of producing fruit and vegetables in Ireland has risen by almost 4% over the past year, warning that continued cost inflation risks making the sector increasingly unattractive and unviable for young growers. According to the latest Teagasc Horticulture Crop Input Prices report, input costs across the horticulture sector rose by 3.9% between January 2025 and January 2026, with significant increases in fertiliser, labour, energy and transport costs. Fruit production costs increased by 7.5%, while vegetable production rose by 4.7%. Macra said the figures highlight the immense pressures facing horticultural producers,...

Macra has fiercely criticised reports that the Department of Agriculture has been instructed to identify €26 million in cuts ahead of Budget 2027, describing the proposal as a complete betrayal of young farmers and rural Ireland.The organisation said the reports expose a glaring contradiction at the heart of Government policy, with young farmers repeatedly told they are central to Ireland’s climate ambitions, food security and rural development, while the very supports needed to sustain them are now being targeted for cuts.Macra National President Josephine O’Neill said: “As an educator, I understand the importance of funding the sector. However, it is...