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The next government must deliver on generational renewal with young farmers watching closely, Macra na Feirme president Thomas Duffy has said.
Promises in the programme for government agreed between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party to invest in the next generation were welcomed by Macra, but it cautioned that investments needed to be significant.
Macra has identified the need for 10% of the overall national CAP spend to be dedicated toward young farmer measures and land mobility.
Land mobility
Duffy said moves to review practises in other countries was welcomed, but added other countries were already learning from Macra’s land mobility service. Similar programmes were being replicated throughout the EU, he said.
“The Macra Land Mobility Service has proven so successful that the EU Commission has made recommendations based on it to other member states,” said newly elected agriculture affairs chair Shane Fitzgerald.
"The next government must ensure funding is available to grow the service beyond its existing success," he said.
National reserve
Commitments to fund the national reserve were also welcomed. The reserve has been guaranteed for 2020, but questions remain over any further funds.
“To see a commitment in the programme of government to ensure funding for National Reserve is an important step forward. That must be delivered on,” Duffy concluded.
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