Macra na Feirme, in association with the Irish Farmers Journal, is currently carrying out consultations with young farmers around the country on the ideal Common Agricultural Policy post-2020.

Speaking about CAP, Macra na Feirme president Seán Finan said: ‘‘Through our involvement with CEJA, supported by IFAC, we have begun exploratory discussions in Brussels on CAP 2020.

‘‘During these discussions, young European farmers have asked if older farmers should continue to receive a direct payment as well as a statutory state pension.’’

In Macra na Feirme’s opinion, some of the European thought process suggests that farmers should have to make a choice. Macra actively encourages young farmers into the industry and firmly believes every support necessary should be made available to them. However, Macra also believes that while encouraging new entrants, financial provision must be made in CAP 2020 for the young-at-heart farmer. Therefore, those involved in farming throughout Ireland should ask themselves, is it sustainable that a farmer who reaches retirement age is financially better off through receipt of a direct payment and a pension once they reach eligibility?

Should you receive a pension and direct payment?

This, and many other questions, must be addressed and Macra is asking young farmers to give us an answer.

A voice for young farmers

Macra has held a series of meetings around the country over the past couple of weeks and the organisation hopes to use the huge amount of information gathered to give young farmers the strongest voice possible in Europe during the negotiations.

Finan said: ‘‘CAP needs to support all active, productive farmers regardless of age, who are delivering goods in a sustainable manner.’’