Macra na Feirme has called on the Government to ensure that the upcoming CAP Strategic Plan delivery and Carbon Budgets consider young farmers and the future of Irish farming.
Macra na Feirme’s national President, John Keane, said: “These plans and budgets will shape the future of farming in Ireland long into the future. What young farmers need is constructive engagement on both topics to ensure that a future is provided for young people in farming.
“If caps and limits are implemented by our Government it would drive food production away from Ireland resulting in increased negative impacts on our climate and environment”.
The Macra President added that young farmers need the Government to provide supports and policies which deliver on environmental commitments while allowing farmers the opportunity to grow their family farm business.
“Getting the balance wrong will result in Irish family farms being placed at a disadvantage compared to our international counterparts,” Keane said.
Macra na Feirme has now asked the Government to ensure that the CAP Strategic Plan and Carbon Budgets provide young farmers and new entrants the opportunity to enter and grow within the farming sector.
“We cannot find ourselves in a position where farming in Ireland does not provide for new entrants into the sector or allow for young people to grow a business and develop a sustainable living,” added Keane.
“Plans that restrict both new entrants and young people will not be conducive to meeting our environmental targets, generational renewal commitments nor ensuring the fabric of rural communities is maintained for generations to follow”.
