THE voluntary organisation for rural youth, Macra na Feirme, has welcomed the changes announced to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s town hall CAP consultation meetings.
While the young farmers were left unimpressed with the format of the town hall meetings, the first of which was held last night. The commentary initially received from the Department that these meetings would allow farmers to contribute actively to the CAP Strategic Plan was simply misleading.
The original format did not allow for farmers and young farmers to ask questions freely, affording farmers the opportunity to engage in constructive conversation with department officials.
“The recently announced changes are a step in the right direction as meaningful consultation, engagement and discussion with farmers is essential. Young farmers need their voices heard properly and constructively and the initial format greatly underwhelmed in this regard” said Macra na Feirme President John Keane.
Macra na Feirme has commenced a series of farm walks right across the country to get the views of young farmers on the ground in relation to the CAP Strategic Plan. The first of these was held yesterday. Tonight’s will be held on the farm of Macra na Feirme
“Getting the actual views of our members has always been and is hugely important to Macra na Feirme and all members and farmers are encouraged to come to our farm walks and have their say” added Keane.
Macra na Feirme is in the process of formulating a detailed submission on the CAP Strategic Plan over the coming weeks and every member’s input is both welcome and appreciated. Young farmers have been forgotten for far too long and now is the time to ensure we secure a future for farming in Ireland.
