Irish input sought for EU Parliament generational renewal report
Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has called for submissions from Irish stakeholders as she begins writing the European Parliament’s report on generational renewal in farming.
Walsh is seeking input from young farmers, farming organisations, academics, rural groups, financial institutions, and "all those with an interest in the future of Irish and European agriculture".
The report is aimed at helping to shape the European Parliament’s position on how the EU can better support the next generation of farmers.
MEP Walsh, a full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, said:“We are facing a real and urgent question – who will farm our land into the future?
“The average age of farmers in Ireland is now close to 60, and the number of young farmers continues to decline.
“As the European Parliament’s lead negotiator on generational renewal, I am actively working to change this and that is why today I am launching a call for submissions from across the Irish agricultural sector.
“I want the parliament’s position on generational renewal to really reflect the reality of farming in Ireland today.”
According to Walsh, this means “hearing directly from young farmers, from those trying to enter the sector and from the organisations and experts working with them”.
Submissions
She said: “I am inviting stakeholders to share their experiences, the barriers they are facing and the practical solutions they believe would make a real difference."
Walsh stated that while submissions do not need to be long, they should be "focused and constructive".
“I would strongly encourage people to include real examples that could be implemented at EU level.”
She outlined that submissions can be made through her website, and asked that “anyone with a perspective” take the time to contribute before the deadline on Friday, May 8.
The Midlands–North-West MEP said: “Too many young people want to farm but are held back by cost, uncertainty and barriers that simply make it too difficult to get started.
“This report is an opportunity to set out exactly what needs to change and how we deliver it.”
'Leadership'
Walsh added that Ireland has "shown leadership" on generational renewal, adding that "we have strong and innovative ideas coming from across the sector".
“I want to make sure these voices are heard loud and clear in Brussels.
“This is about securing the future of farming and rural communities across Ireland. If we get generational renewal right, we protect not just our farms, but the fabric of rural Ireland itself," Walsh said.
