We have made huge advances with our land mobility service, and have taken positive steps with initiatives such as the Young Farmer Skillnet training programme, which provides further training opportunities for young farmers and Macra na Feirme members. Our rural youth committee continues to work on issues such as the health and wellbeing of young people and rural youth policy. The competitions committee continues to develop many competitions on the busy Macra na Feirme calendar.

2017 promises to be another hectic and action-packed year. We will be putting a strategic plan in place that sets out the future direction of Macra na Feirme, which will allow us to plan for the development of the organisation over the next few years. We will commence discussions on our policy for CAP post-2020 early in the new year, continue to develop policy and lobby on young farmer and rural youth issues. We will also roll out a nationwide land mobility service and elect a new national president and vice-presidents.

I hope you all make the most of Christmas and relish the downtime. Macra na Feirme provides young people with a chance to get involved in a club or young farmer development group at local and national level.

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With our diverse range of activities and events, and whether you are looking to aid your personal development or just to meet new people and have a good time, there is something for everyone in Macra na Feirme.

Have a fantastic Christmas and a happy new year.