The upcoming Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will not solve problems around generational renewal in farming, Macra president Josephine O’Neill communicated to attendees at the AgRenew summit in Kildare.
Speaking on a panel discussion at the event on Thursday afternoon, O’Neill said: “We expect this next CAP to solve a lot of problems around generational renewal, but, unfortunately, the money just isn’t there.”
She called on the Government to step up, recognise the issue and make it a national priority.
“Our national government, as well as co-financing CAP, also need[s] to recognise that generational renewal needs to be a national priority and it needs to be given the appropriate funding.
“We cannot expect the CAP budget to be the be all and end all, we need to look at other avenues to support our agriculture sector.”
Ultimate test
Referencing Macra’s national conference in Limerick last week, O’Neill said she told An Taoiseach Mícheál Martin to put his money where his mouth is.
“You can’t say we will do this, this and this, without actually putting your money where your mouth is, so I highlighted that to the Taoiseach at our national conference in Limerick," she said.
She said she told An Taoiseach what Macra’s key asks for the next CAP are – 10% ring-fenced funding for young farmers and a succession scheme.
However, she said there are also other issues he needs to address, such as income volatility and vibrancy of rural communities to support social sustainability.
“I gave him a long list. I told him we would be looking at the CAP proposals and the regulations that will be published and that is the Government’s ultimate test - how strongly they are going to negotiate and fight for the sector and for young farmers.”
