European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan has announced that countries must set aside at least 2 % of their direct payment allocation in order to assist young farmers starting out in the industry. In addition to this, there will be financial support for rural development and different measures to facilitate access to land and land transfers.

Speaking after the announcement, Macra na Feirme national president James Healy said: ‘‘Macra na Feirme presented a comprehensive document to Commissioner Hogan in early 2017 following a consultation of 1,000 Irish young farmers and the organisation is satisfied that there is scope for many of these proposals in the Commission’s legislation.

‘‘In future, addressing the needs of young farmers and making generational renewal a reality can be achieved by ensuring all CAP measures are young-farmer-proofed. This, combined with domestic policy in areas of national funding and taxation policy, is essential to make generational renewal a success.’’

Macra na Feirme has also welcomed the increased funding available at farmer level for the young farmer startup package (previously installation aid) in the Rural Development Programme, but Ireland is one of only approximately four countries that does not implement a business startup package for young farmers.

Healy added: ‘‘While Ireland utilises a number of measures to support young farmers, it is essential that we make effective use of the full range of policy tools and schemes available at EU level to continue this support.’’

The Macra na Feirme national president said he looked forward to engaging with the Commission, MEPs and Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to further address the needs of young farmers and ensure they are a key priority.

The organisation looks forward to discussing the legislative proposals in greater detail over the coming weeks.

Farm walks to mark 20 years of FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards

2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards. As part of the celebrations to mark this occasion, Macra na Feirme and FBD are hosting a series of farm walks on the farms of past winners.

The next walk will be on the farm of the 2014 FBD Young Farmer of the Year county finalist and beef category winner Eamonn Burke. It will take place in Claregalway, Co Galway, at 7.30pm on Thursday 7 June.