Macra na Feirme welcomes the announcement from Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed that the National Reserve for 2018 is now open.

Macra na Feirme president James Healy said: ‘‘Macra na Feirme is pleased that the National Reserve is available for 2018. This will greatly aid our young farmers and will support generational renewal.’’

Macra had recently met with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding the opening of the 2018 National Reserve, which is an essential mechanism to allow young farmers who have no or low basic payments to get a fair start in farming. The ongoing provision of a BPS National Reserve in the Common Agricultural Policy is an essential tool in supporting young farmers starting up in farming.

Healy concluded: ‘‘Young farmer schemes such as the National Reserve ensure that farming remains a viable career path for our youth and the continuation of it is very positive for young farmers.’’