The Macra na Feirme president elect Thomas Duffy said that he believes climate change is the biggest challenge facing Irish agriculture. He expressed concerns that dealing with the topic kept being kicked down the road and young farmers are in a good position to deal with the changes as they have already implemented some beneficial changes.
Speaking at the penultimate presidential hustings at the Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire, Cork, Duffy pledged to focus on the economic growth and social security of rural Ireland during his tenure.
The Cavan man also acknowledged the time constraints faced by young farmers when it comes to getting involved in organisations such as Macra na Feirme and taking on positions.
Munster vice-president
The three Munster vice-president candidates received a longer grilling from members. John Cremin from Shannonside Macra in Limerick, Trevor Coffey of the Mid-Kerry Macra branch in Kerry and Sean Wallace from Donoughmore Macra in the Muskerry region of Cork were questioned for the bones of an hour on their policies and what they could bring to the table, as well as what the organisation could do regarding mental health and how participation in competitions were the principal concerns of the members.
Results
Results will be known following the close of receipt of ballot papers on 10 April 2019 at 1pm. The election count takes place in the Irish Farm Centre.
The Irish Farmers Journal asked young farmers the most important thing they want the next Macra president to do for them:
Seamus Reid
Seamus Reid, Glanmire Macra na Feirme.
"I'd like to see him keep Macra going the way it is and bring it on even more. There are a lot of farmers who are stuck at home and they don't have any social life because they are so busy so maybe that's something he could do, encourage people to get out more. It would help their mental health in the long run."
Alan Twomey
Alan Twomey, Donoughmore Macra na Feirme.
"The biggest challenge is lack of profitability at farm level. If he could help put a focus on that. It's less appealing to get involved in farming when there are better wages available for young people coming out of college. We need to entice people in and there has to be enough income there to support a family."
Billy Fitzgerald
Billy Fitzgerald, Killeigh Macra na Feirme.
"I'd like to see that he covers all farming enterprises. Suckler numbers are in trouble so it would good to see that he would back all young farmers and not just focus on dairy."
John O'Driscoll
John O'Driscoll, Caheragh Macra na Feirme.
"I'd like to see him get more young farmers involved, if he could increase the presence of young farmers and try to do a bit more in terms of encouraging generational renewal."
Read more
Listen: Duffy ready to assume Macra helm
One-horse race for Macra president
The Macra na Feirme president elect Thomas Duffy said that he believes climate change is the biggest challenge facing Irish agriculture. He expressed concerns that dealing with the topic kept being kicked down the road and young farmers are in a good position to deal with the changes as they have already implemented some beneficial changes.
Speaking at the penultimate presidential hustings at the Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire, Cork, Duffy pledged to focus on the economic growth and social security of rural Ireland during his tenure.
The Cavan man also acknowledged the time constraints faced by young farmers when it comes to getting involved in organisations such as Macra na Feirme and taking on positions.
Munster vice-president
The three Munster vice-president candidates received a longer grilling from members. John Cremin from Shannonside Macra in Limerick, Trevor Coffey of the Mid-Kerry Macra branch in Kerry and Sean Wallace from Donoughmore Macra in the Muskerry region of Cork were questioned for the bones of an hour on their policies and what they could bring to the table, as well as what the organisation could do regarding mental health and how participation in competitions were the principal concerns of the members.
Results
Results will be known following the close of receipt of ballot papers on 10 April 2019 at 1pm. The election count takes place in the Irish Farm Centre.
The Irish Farmers Journal asked young farmers the most important thing they want the next Macra president to do for them:
Seamus Reid
Seamus Reid, Glanmire Macra na Feirme.
"I'd like to see him keep Macra going the way it is and bring it on even more. There are a lot of farmers who are stuck at home and they don't have any social life because they are so busy so maybe that's something he could do, encourage people to get out more. It would help their mental health in the long run."
Alan Twomey
Alan Twomey, Donoughmore Macra na Feirme.
"The biggest challenge is lack of profitability at farm level. If he could help put a focus on that. It's less appealing to get involved in farming when there are better wages available for young people coming out of college. We need to entice people in and there has to be enough income there to support a family."
Billy Fitzgerald
Billy Fitzgerald, Killeigh Macra na Feirme.
"I'd like to see that he covers all farming enterprises. Suckler numbers are in trouble so it would good to see that he would back all young farmers and not just focus on dairy."
John O'Driscoll
John O'Driscoll, Caheragh Macra na Feirme.
"I'd like to see him get more young farmers involved, if he could increase the presence of young farmers and try to do a bit more in terms of encouraging generational renewal."
Read more
Listen: Duffy ready to assume Macra helm
One-horse race for Macra president
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