Macra has called on the government to introduce a succession scheme to support generational renewal in Ireland.

The farm organisation has today (Saturday, May 23) launched its pre-Budget 2027 submission which calls for targeted measures to support young farmers.

The launch coincides with Macra's annual general meeting (AGM) being held in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone.

Macra noted that “generational renewal is no longer just an agricultural concern; it is a national priority.”

The organisation stressed that fewer than 1% of agricultural land is sold annually, underlining the importance of effective succession measures, collaborative arrangements and improved access to finance for young farmers.

Macra

Macra said its submission sets out a "wide-ranging series of proposals" aimed at addressing the key challenges facing young people and young farmers.

The document places a particular emphasis on succession, access to finance, housing, transport and mental health.

Macra’s submission is built around three key themes to ensure rural Ireland remains a "prosperous, liveable and healthy place to live and work".

Among the organisation’s principal asks for Budget 2027 are:

The introduction of a long-awaited succession scheme to support generational renewal;
Annual exchequer funding of €150,000 for the Land Mobility Service;
Enhanced grant rates and priority access for young farmers under Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS);
A €500 million growth and sustainability loan scheme offering low-cost finance;
Reform of the vacant and derelict property grant to make rural home ownership more accessible;
Greater investment in rural transport, broadband and mobile connectivity;
Dedicated funding for rural mental health initiatives, including Macra's Make the Moove;
Increased supports for farm safety and addiction services;
Legally binding ring-fenced funding for young farmers in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with at least 6% of agricultural spending dedicated to generational renewal.

Macra National President Josephine O’Neill said that at the heart of the submission is a call for a dedicated succession scheme to support the transfer of farm management to the next generation.

"For too long now, young farmers and rural young people have been ignored by our government.

"Our 2027 pre-budget submission sets out the key supports that we need to ensure that young farmers and rural dwellers have a future in rural Ireland.

"We need urgent action, delivered by our government next October, to guarantee a secure future for our members.”