Losing the nitrates derogation would devastate young farmers’ future plans and threatens generational renewal for the whole agriculture industry, Macra president Josephine O’Neill told Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon.
“We’ve encouraged young people to study agriculture, to take the reins of their family farm, and to believe there is a future for them on the land. But now, those very futures are being threatened,” she warned.
Young farmers have built their businesses around the existing derogation limits, and invested heavily in livestock, infrastructure, and sustainable technologies to secure their livelihoods, she pointed out.
“Young farmers have done what was asked. They’ve embraced change, invested in low-emission technologies, and improved water quality, yet now they feel punished for their progress,” O’Neill said.
She warned the minister about the economic risks.
“When farmers cut back, rural businesses suffer too; co-ops, contractors, feed suppliers, marts, this isn’t just about cows and slurry. Rural Ireland depends on a healthy, vibrant, and economically viable farming sector. Undermine one, and you weaken them all.”
Increased demand for land would lock young farmers out, she said.
“We are closing the gate before the next generation even gets a chance to walk in,” she warned, to rapturous applause from the crowd.
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