The European Youth Event (EYE) took place in the European Parliament seat in Strasbourg on 20-21 May 2016. It was a unique opportunity for thousands of young Europeans to make their voices heard, and 14 members of Macra na Feirme were afforded the opportunity to attend, with members from all over Ireland – from Leitrim to Kildare to Cork.

Those lucky enough to attend included Grace Stenson, Bryan Tully, Meig Collins, Mairead Healy, Tom Carroll, Cathy Lane, Martina Mealiffe, Julie Muldowney, Siobhan Sexton, Darren Deasy, Liam Cronin, Cara O’Mahony, Karen O’Sullivan and Michelle O’Callaghan.

During the event, Macra members exchanged ideas and perspectives on youth-related issues, developed innovative solutions to crucial questions for the future and met with European decision-makers and speakers with a wide range of professional experience.

The Macra members were also fortunate to have tea with an MEP as part of the programme of events and the members were delighted to have met and chatted with Mairead McGuiness on life as an MEP and what her role entails.

At the same time, the EYE also provided Macra members an opportunity to experience the rich cultural diversity within the European Union through the staging of artistic performances and spectacles, such as circus performance and music.

The EYE 2016 was an engaging experience for all who attended and it included a large variety of activities run under the motto “together we can make a change” in a political, social and cultural sense.

Macra attends CEJA presidium

Macra attended the CEJA European Young Farmers presidium in Brussels on 24-25 May with the support of IFAC Accountants, which is Macra’s partner for young farmer development groups in Ireland and Europe.

Shaping the future of CAP post-2020 for young farmers is already on the agenda and young farmers across Europe discussed the definition of an active farmer and young farmer and received presentations from DG Agri.

There was also intense discussion on the current market crisis, with CEJA calling for Article 222 to be utilised. There was a debate on ‘Brexit or Bremin - what will the future hold for European agriculture’. The debate was chaired by CEJA president Alan Jagoe with European young farmers clearly favouring for Britain to remain in the EU.

Macra also met with Tom Tynan, Cristina Rueda Catry and Alberto Davino from Commissioner Hogan’s cabinet to discuss current and potential future trade deals and their implications, especially in the context of the EU Commissions growth and jobs agenda.

Access to competitively priced finance was also a topic for discussion. It is clear that developing financial instruments under member states’ rural development programmes will help young farmers access competitive finance through funding from the EIB.

The Macra delegation of national president Seán Finan and acting CEO Derrie Dillon also had productive meetings with Breffni Carpenter (Department of Foreign Affairs’ permanent representation in Brussels) on the crisis management response and challenges facing young farmers.

  • With just days to go until the June bank holiday weekend, the 29th Blue Jean Country Queen Festival, Athboy, Co Meath, will be the place to be from 3-6 June for another weekend of fun, festivities and excitement. From Friday night’s interviews to the crowning of the 2016 Blue Jean Country Queen on Sunday, there will be something for everyone. Visit bluejeanfest.com or find us on Facebook for more information.
  • Aghinagh Macra will be holding its annual 5km fun run and Know Your Neighbour evening at The Ploughman Bar, Ballinagree, on 12 June. There is a perpetual cup for the first man and woman, as well as a free BBQ for all runners and lots of side shows and activities on offer afterwards. All proceeds this year are going towards the Ballinagree Community Development Group and St Colman’s House, Macroom. For more information, contact aghinaghmacra@ymail.com.
  • Waterfall Macra’s family fun car treasure hunt will be held on Sunday 12 June. Sign in is 12.30pm to 1pm at O’Shea’s Bar, Waterfall, just five minutes from Bishopstown. Cost €20 per car. Prize €100. Each car will be given a series of riddles, clues and tasks to complete. The winner will have completed the most and have the least mileage on the car (mileage will be checked pre- and post-hunt). For more information, contact James on 087-919 0830.