The challenge of generational renewal is widely recognised at both national and EU level, and indeed as a global challenge for agriculture. To ensure that the agri-food sector remains strong and sustainable into the future, consultation with young farmers in the policy development process will continue to be a key priority for me and for the Government.
Food Vision 2030 is our shared 10-year stakeholder strategy for the agri-food sector, and it emphasises the importance of young farmers and generational renewal. It proposes maintaining the current strong level of support, promoting succession planning and land mobility, increasing education and training, and promoting the diversity of careers in the sector. In developing a long-term sustainable future for primary producers, addressing generational renewal and gender equality will be essential, to ensure that the vital contribution of young people, both male and female, is acknowledged and supported, assisting in improving the long-term sustainability of the agri-food sector in this country.
I will continue to actively engage with all agriculture stakeholders, and to ensure the participation of young people and women in the future of agriculture. I recognise and value the important role that young farmer representative groups such as Macra play in advocating for and encouraging its 10,000 strong membership of 17-35 year olds to take an active role in the farming sector. I was delighted to be asked to open and address Macra’s recent annual conference and I engage with them on an ongoing basis.
Internationally, my Department funded 91 youth delegates from 46 developing countries to attend this year’s World Food Forum, including seven young Irish people from the Irish agri-food sector. The World Food Forum is an independent, youth-led global network of partners facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It aims to spark a global movement that empowers young people everywhere to actively shape agri-food systems to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and a better food future for all.
I will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholder groups and representative bodies when formulating future policy, including the hugely important voices of young and women farmers.
