Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to discuss Common Agricultural Policy and young farmers with Macra na Feirme

Speaking ahead of the meeting at 5.30pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Jackie Cahill said: “Young farmers are critical to the future of Ireland’s agriculture sector, but like our partners across the EU, Irish farming is facing a demographic crisis. Just one in 20 farmers are under the age of 35 years, while some 30 per cent are aged 65 and over.

“The CAP has a key role to play over the next six years in the generational renewal needed to bring about the transition to a more sustainable agricultural sector and the growth of rural Ireland. The Committee looks forward to discussing this and related matters with the representatives of Macra na Feirme.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.