It is clear from the CAP post-2020 consultations that young farmers place a huge importance and value on receiving agricultural education prior to starting their careers in farming.

At the Macra CAP post-2020 consultations, over 90% of young farmers surveyed were in favour of completing agricultural education to receive a direct payment.

Macra na Feirme president Seán Finan said: ‘‘Since our foundation in 1944, young farmer education has been a cornerstone of Macra na Feirme and we have worked with industry and government throughout our history to continuously improve the livelihoods of young farmers through education and training.

Finan continued: ‘‘We are delighted and heartened that the value of education is so well respected and valued by young farmers, as is evident in the results of our young farmer survey. The value of agricultural education has been questioned recently. We, as an organisation and our young farmer membership, will not tolerate any attacks or attempts to undermine the professionalism of farming by devaluing agricultural education. ‘‘Farmers, young and old, are the fulcrum of a secure food supply and require constant upskilling to ensure they can deliver safe quality food to satisfy the needs of the consumer.’’

Macra na Feirme has carried out huge work over the years for the development of agricultural education and it will remain a central plank of its CAP post-2020 policy, which will be submitted to the European Commission in the near future.

Macra na Feirme Young Farmer Skillnet provides excellent continued further training opportunities for young farmers in a variety of courses. Visit www.macra.ie/bookings for more information.