Ambition is “not enough” when it comes to funding the future Common Agricultural Policy for young farmers, the Macra president warned today (Tuesday 23 June).
Josephine O’Neill, whose organization represents more than 16,000 young farmers and rural young people across Ireland, said it was essential there was a pipeline for future funding.
The Macra President added: “The European Commission has recognized the urgency of generational renewal and has made ambitious promises in its Common Agricultural Policy proposals.
“Without limited, legally binding funding, there is no guarantee that these commitments will translate into meaningful support for young farmers on the land.”
Last week, Agriculture, Food and Marine Minister Martin Haydon acknowledged challenges when it comes to the upcoming Common Agricultural Policy budget.
Minister Haydon has pledged that Ireland will use its presidency of the EU Council to try to secure increased funding for the Common Agricultural Policy programme.
Ireland will hold the presidency of the Council from 1 July to 31 December, during which time the EU budget from 2028 to 2034 – and therefore the Common Agricultural Policy budget for the same period – will be high on the agenda.
Young farmers
But O’Neill said that if Europe was serious about generational renewal, “the budget must reflect that ambition.”
“Ireland’s EU Presidency represents a unique opportunity to ensure that young farmers are not left behind in future CAP negotiations.
“Minister Haydon must fight to secure a protected CAP budget for young farmers and renewing generations,” she added.
The Macra president has once again called for stabilization aid to be provided to young farmers in Ireland.
“Stabilization assistance provides young farmers with the start-up capital needed to invest in inventory, machinery, land and infrastructure at the beginning of their careers.
“It is simply unacceptable that Ireland is now the only country in the EU failing to provide this support to its young farmers,” O’Neill said.
She believes the Irish government should use the presidency to “level the playing field” for young Irish farmers.
The Macra boss said Ireland’s young farmers “deserve the same opportunities as their European counterparts”.
