Macra Calls for Action: Unlock EU Aid to Revive Tillage Sector!

Young tillage farmers in Ireland are facing a crisis as the recent wet weather has caused further delays in harvesting crops, according to Macra, the young farmers’ organisation. Met Éireann, the national meteorological service, has reported that the last seven days have been wetter than average nationwide, with the south of the country being particularly affected. The next seven days are also expected to bring variable amounts of rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving up to 50mm of rain. The poor weather conditions have had a significant impact on maize crops, leading Macra to call for the government to direct €9.5 million in EU agriculture reserve funding to the tillage sector. The organisation is also calling for exceptional aid to be provided to the sector, as young tillage farmers are unable to absorb the financial losses from this year’s harvest. Macra’s national president, Elaine Houlihan, has called on both the EU and the Irish government to support vulnerable young tillage farmers, stating that “rainy day” reserve funds should be activated in times of crisis. Macra believes that all tillage farmers, regardless of age, are facing a challenging year due to difficult weather conditions, high input costs, and weaker market prices.