A delegation from Macra na Feirme participated in an international convention for plant protection in Europe and a CEJA working group hosted by German young farmers’ organisation BDL in Cologne, Germany, from 25 to 27 February.

The working group discussed the current greening measures and their implications for young farmers in each member state. The European Commission has requested submissions on greening and CEJA and Macra will make a submission based on the experience and recommendations of young farmers on items such as the three-crop rule, EFAs, buffer strips, etc.

Young farmers are the new environmentalists and are committed to sustainable environmental management and, therefore, are centrally placed to determine best practice and practical application of greening measures at farm level.

The European Commission taking the views of young farmers on board will result in more practical application of greening at farm level and maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing greening measures to deliver on environmental objectives.

The group then visited the Bayer Crop Science headquarters in Monheim where future implications for plant protection authorisation procedures, plant protection resistance and research and development were discussed with European young farmers and industry experts.

A tour of the research and development facility, panel discussions and plant protection lectures provided an insight into developments in crop science across Europe and the implications for young tillage farmers. The final day involved farm visits and discussions with German tillage and vegetable farmers.

The delegation from Macra in attendance, with the support of IFAC Accountants, included Macra national president Seán Finan, Martin O’Regan, tillage farmer, Philip Brady, Teagasc education officer and Derrie Dillon, Macra ag affairs manager.

Roscommon Macra celebrates 70 years

The first Macra na Feirme club in Co Roscommon was established in Athleague in late 1945. To celebrate and to mark this very important and significant milestone, Roscommon Macra na Feirme recently held a dinner dance in the Abbey Hotel.

On the night, past and current members chatted and shared their experiences in the organisation. It was a huge honour to have Joe Murphy, founding member of the first club, in Athleague in 1945 present on the night.

Roscommon Macra would like to thank the main sponsors, Castlerea, Elphin and Roscommon marts, as well as Tighe’s Agri, Strokestown.