Macra president Josephine O’Neill, accompanied by members of the organisation, met with MEPs Norbert Lins and Maria Walsh at University College Dublin (UCD) Lyons Farm in recent days.

The meeting was held to discuss the key challenges facing young farmers in Ireland and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The engagement brought together representatives from Macra, UCD and EU policymakers for a discussion on generational renewal and the sustainability of the agricultural sector.

During the visit, Macra outlined the barriers currently facing young farmers, with particular emphasis on succession, access to land and access to finance.

The organisation stressed that without meaningful intervention in these areas, the long-term viability of farming and rural communities will be placed at risk.

Macra also raised concerns regarding the CAP 2027–2034 proposals, highlighting the potential impact of a reduced overall budget and the absence of legally binding, ring-fenced funding for young farmers.

In this context, Macra welcomed recent comments from MEP Norbert Lins supporting the allocation of 6% of CAP funding to young farmers, noting this as a positive and necessary step.

Funding

Key priorities outlined by Macra included the need for legally binding, ring-fenced funding for young farmers within the CAP proposals, alongside greater simplification of schemes to ensure they are both accessible and effective.

The organisation also emphasised the importance of financial supports, such as installation aid, to provide essential start-up capital for young farmers.

Macra also called for stronger generational renewal measures, including the development of a structured succession scheme to support both the young farmer and the transferring farmer.

It also lobbied for the continued support and expansion of initiatives such as the Land Mobility Service.

‘Meaningful measures’

Following the engagement, Josephine O’Neill said: "While we welcome the increased focus on generational renewal in the CAP proposals, strategies or reports cannot be produced just to gather dust on shelves.

“We also welcome the clear support at EU level for a 6% allocation to young farmers; however, this must be legally underpinned in the final proposals to secure a viable future for the next generation."

Macra said that it welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with MEPs Lins and Walsh and emphasised the importance of “continued dialogue at EU level” to ensure that the final CAP framework delivers real and lasting support for young farmers.