Macra na Feirme president John Keane has encouraged Macra members to “get behind” the planned IFA farm family rally.

Speaking about the importance of encouraging the next generation into agriculture, Keane said: “Young farmers are the future of our agricultural and food production industry.

“We recognise that environmental sustainability is vitally important for ourselves, our families and the future generations of farm families, and we also recognise that economic and social sustainability are equally as important for the future of the agribusiness industry and wider rural communities,” Keane said.

He added that Macra is encouraging every Macra club and county executive to support the farm family rally as a show of solidarity with young farmers and the next generation, who need to know that farming and food production is a viable livelihood for their future.

As national president, Keane will be at the rally and will address the gathering next Sunday.