This year, Macra na Feirme members had the opportunity to shape the organisation, its policy and future through a number of consultations that took place. The fruits of this can be seen in the strategic plan, ‘‘Rurally Active, Engaging and Transforming’’, which the organisation was delighted to have launched by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed earlier this month.

It can also be seen in the proposal for CAP 2020, which was published in the first half of the year and clearly had a strong influence on the contents of the omnibus recently published by the European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan. This shows the importance of young farmers being a part of this organisation and having the opportunity to feed in to what they see as the priorities for ensuring a sustainable future for young people beginning a career in farming.

As we move forward into 2018, the continued emphasis on allowing our members the opportunity to have their voices heard will be a priority as we look at the beef and tillage sectors which are somewhat at a crossroads and the already visible shortages of people to take up employment opportunities in the dairy sector. Encouraging young people to look at careers in all of these sectors will be vital to their continued viability and only by young farmers voicing their concerns will we know what their priorities are.

All other elements of the organisation continue to be as vibrant as ever with a packed competitions calendar keeping all of the Macra na Feirme clubs busy. The rural youth committee is continuing to prioritise both the mental and physical wellbeing of all rural young people, along with lobbying for the investment in infrastructure that is required to allow the development of employment opportunities. This is necessary to allow our young people to remain within their communities keeping them dynamic and vibrant.

Although this is the end of 2017, it is only the middle of the Macra year so the clubs are in full flow but new members are always welcome, so if you or someone you know wants to be a part of shaping the future of agriculture in Ireland or simply wants to experience Macra’s wide and varied programme of events, check out the website or any of the organisation’s social media channel.

Wishing you all a happy Christmas and new year.