Macra na Feirme has called for the introduction of a young farmer bonus on finished cattle to be paid by meat processors.
Macra said this payment would recognise the fact that “young farmers are the most likely to adapt and put in place the advances in technology that will drive the future of this [the beef] sector”.
The proposal is part of the group’s roadmap for the Irish beef sector that was published on Wednesday 16 April.
Generational renewal
In the document, Macra said the age profile of the average beef farmer was of growing concern. It believed that if beef processors were serious about generation renewal they must incorporate a young farmer bonus to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
Macra also suggested forming producer organisations, recognised at EU level that will negotiate with factories. These organisations will “give beef farmers who have not the size or scale, the bargaining power of large-scale beef producers”.
The sustainable beef policy document called for broader access to training and advisory services so beef farmers can access technical knowledge to maximise existing resources.
Climate action
Another route Macra sees potential in is allowing all farmers, registered or not, to claim VAT back on all sexed semen AI straws.
Macra said: “A greater adoption of sexed semen use could further help to reduce the carbon emissions of the beef sector by allowing farmers to choose the correct straw for their requirements, whether that be breeding replacements or having cattle for finishing.”
Macra said the beef industry must be more vocal about its low carbon footprint and that greater advertising is needed for the constant work farmers are doing to reduce emissions.
Speaking about the document, Macra president James Healy said: “For many of our beef farmers, the current situation is unsustainable. Everyone talks about generational renewal and yet the average age of the beef farmer keeps increasing, because it is not a viable industry for most new entrants to farming."