Latest news with #MartinHeydon
Agriland
2 hours ago
- Business
- Agriland
Is there a way to make farming ‘more attractive' to the next generation?
One of the big questions that Europe is grappling with at the moment is how to make farming 'more attractive' to younger people. We have had the Vision for Agriculture and Food, from the European Commission, which it claims is 'an ambitious roadmap on the future of farming and food in Europe'. In it the commission promises to set out a generational renewal strategy in 2025, which will include 'recommendations on measures needed both at the EU and national/regional level to address the barriers to young and new people' entering farming. The commission also plans to present a proposal for the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which will include measures to support young farmers. Earlier this month the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, hosted a youth policy dialogue with young farmers in Brussels – all participants were below 40 years old in line with the age limit to qualify as a young farmer. One of the key discussions was the current profile and make up of the farming population in Europe. Source: European Commission The dialogue focused on the needs, aspirations, and barriers faced by young people entering or remaining in the farming sector and the commissioner was keen to stress that he is listening to young farmers and taking on board their concerns. What's stopping young people from farming in the future? We asked. They answered—with bold ideas, real challenges & clear demands. From land to credit and skills, they're ready to lead The is listening. The next generation is at the table. Let's keep the momentum going. Christophe Hansen (@CHansenEU) May 7, 2025 Closer to home the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has said that an independent commission report on generational renewal in farming here is set to be released before the end of next month. The commission, which was established last October, 2024, has according to Minister Heydon adopted an 'objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the complex factors involved'. Earlier this year the minister also awarded over €1.5 million for three new European Innovation Partnership (EIP) projects on the theme of generational renewal. These projects include: Farm Forward: Connecting Generations and Farming for the Future – which is a partnership between Ballyhoura Development; Teagasc; Dairygold; some farm organisations; and Cork and Limerick county councils, among others; Renewal in Agriculture through Intergenerational Support & Empowerment' (RAISE), – operated by the Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Council; the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS); Teagasc; Aurivo; and Dairygold, among others; Using Share Farming to Facilitate Generational Renewal – which is operated by the Land Mobility Service; Succession Ireland; Teagasc; Lakeland Dairies; and Macra, among others. But while discussions at home and further afield continue on the theme of generational renewal in farming a leading rural sociologist was in Ireland this week to share what he believes needs to be done to make agriculture 'more attractive'. Professor Frank Vanclay (centre) with Dr. Áine Macken-Walsh, Teagasc sociologist and Paul Maher, head of international relations and corporate strategy in Teagasc Source: Teagasc Professor Frank Vanclay from the University of Groningen shared a 'framework' which offers concrete guidance for designing CAP measures, extension services, and innovation programmes which he believes could reverse the trend of agricultural decline and 'youth disengagement' from farming. Speaking at Teagasc's Mellows Campus Prof. Vanclay said the framework revolves around four key principles including: Making farming attractive beyond economics ; Addressing structural disadvantages; Farmer-led innovation systems; Simplifying policy implementation. Farming and the next generation According to Prof. Vanclay getting young people into agriculture requires 'addressing emotional, cultural and identity' aspects of farming and not just economic incentives. 'Sustainability means staying on the farm', he said and policies should take on board the 'deep desire of farmers' to hand their farm over to their children – but at the same time there needs to be policies that appeal to women farmers and non-traditional farm workers. The leading rural sociologist also warned that complex and inflexible programmes reduce farmer trust and participation. He has called for 'simpler, context-sensitive programmes co-designed with farmers to enhance both legitimacy and effectiveness'. He also cautioned that while crucial discussions are underway in Ireland and across Europe to encourage younger people to go into farming and to stick with it, there is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to this issue. Instead Prof. Vanclay said 'differentiated support tailored to specific farming styles and local contexts' is crucial to attract the next generation of farmers whether this is in Ireland or other European countries.
Agriland
3 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Minister: ‘September at the latest' for ACRES NPI payment system
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has said that it will be 'September at the latest' before the payments system for non-productive investments (NPIs) is ready under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES). Under ACRES, farmers in the Co-operation Project (CP) section of the scheme can undertake NPIs to enhance their payments. NPIs are small-scale environmental actions available to farmers in the ACRES CP which support nature-friendly management of farms. NPIs are applied for on behalf of farmers by their ACRES advisor as part of a NPI – Annual Works Plan (AWP). According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, completing approved NPIs allows a farmer to add to their ACRES payment by up to a maximum of €17,500 over the five-year period of their contract. There has been two application windows for farmers to apply for NPIs; one in 2023 and one last year in 2024. However, the payments system to support the submission of claims and the processing of payments in respect of approved NPI applications is not yet in place. The department had already said that the system would be in place in 2025. Minister Heydon, speaking at the first meeting of the new Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which took place today (Wednesday, May 28), indicated a target of September for that system to be in place. He told Fine Gael Clare TD Joe Cooney: 'The great focus has been getting people their basic [ACRES] payment first and foremost, getting their problems resolved on that. 'On the NPI payments then, the officials are working through on his, but we are making progress on that side, and hope to have them resolved as soon as possible over the summer, or September at the latest, in terms of getting them resolved, and getting payments through on them,' Minister Heydon added. ACRES was one of the main topics that came up at today's committee meeting, the other top issues for TDs and senators being TB and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Other topics that featured were the nitrates derogation, GAEC (Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition) 2; and the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement. This was the minister's first appearance at the Oireachtas agriculture committee in his role as the senior department minister. Minister Heydon's previous appearances at the committee, in its previous iteration before the general election last year, were in his then role as minister for state with responsibility for new market development, farm safety, and research and development. This was the first meeting of the current committee, post-general election, where it carried out its role of scrutinising the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the ministers responsible for it. As the first meeting, it had somewhat of an introductory tone, serving as a way for the committee to get off the ground for the new Dáil term and begin its formal engagement with the minister. One member of the committee, senator Victor Boyhan, said: '[Minister Heydon] indicated that he wanted a fresh start, a new relationship with agriculture, with stakeholders, and with us as committee members, so I think that's encouraging.'
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Heydon: Forestry on peat is complex and must be science-led
Some soils currently excluded from Ireland's forestry planting will contribute positively if planted, said agriculture minister Martin Heydon last week. He revealed forestry on peat soils was being investigated in a €2.7m research programme, entitled 'Management of peatland forests for climate, biodiversity and water quality'. It is a four-year project, but there may be preliminary results within two years. Responding to Dáil questions, the minister said: "The subject of planting forests on peat soils is not black and white. Forests planted on peat soils can contribute to climate, biodiversity and timber production." The subject has been controversial since forestry minister Michael Healy-Rae said in April that Ireland would not have enough timber if forest planting was restricted to shallower peat soils, less than 30cm deep. Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman hit back, saying planting on peatlands would be "environmental madness". Mr Heydon said last week, "I am not in favour of planting on deep peat sites, where there is a net carbon emission, or planting important peat habitats, blanket bogs, raised bogs and other important habitats on peat soils. These will remain unplanted". He confirmed the EU state aid approval for Ireland's forestry programme prohibited planting on deep peat soils. "On the other hand, it permits planting of commercial forest and native woodlands on shallower peat soils, less than 30cm deep, and some midland fen peats planted with native woodlands". Mr Heydon said any changes to forestry programmes must be informed by science. "Growing forests on peat, and the consequences in relation to carbon, is complex. All trees, as they grow, store an increasing amount of carbon, but peat that is drained emits carbon. There has been a lot of research into this area, but more needs to be done," he said. "In relation to any future forestry programmes, these will have to be agreed with the EU Commission, and it will be important that whatever we propose as part of that programme, we will be able to back it up with science and common sense". In April, Mr Healy-Rae said farmers wanted to plant peatland. "Farmers do not want to plant their green ground, because they have worked so hard to get the bit they have. They broke their backs and bones to make the land green, and they do not want to plant trees on it, but instead use it for grazing," he said. He said things had not been as bad with regard to planting since 1946. He revealed he hoped to improve the agroforestry scheme. "To be blunt, I do not agree with the terms of the scheme at present. They are not good enough. "The first bit of advice I would give to a farmer who wants to plant agroforestry at the moment is to wait until we improve the scheme." He also revealed there would be a reconstitution scheme. Landowners can take out the 25,000 hectares damaged by Storm Éowyn and can retrospectively apply for the reconstitution scheme. "I just hope we will be able to put together the money to make it strong enough to take the harm out of having to replant". He said some of the damaged timber might not be heavy enough, resulting in a smaller-than-expected payment from sawmills, and landowners would not want to overspend on replanting to get back to where they started. He also revealed an ambition that every privately owned forest in Ireland would be certified. "Certifying a forest will give people an interest in their forest again. I am not looking to put an imposition of money on them. My aim is that the department will be paying for it". Mr Healy-Rae said every farmer in the country, whether they have forestry or not, should be entitled to carbon credits. "In my infinite wisdom, many years ago, I automatically assumed that carbon credits were going to be a big thing of the future. I thought we would own them, could trade them, and that they would be a valuable commodity. Unfortunately, we have not got there yet. It is something we all aspire to," he said. Read More Irish forestry leaves little for nature — the whole sector needs to change
Agriland
3 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Tullamore Show launches schedule of classes for 2025
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has officially launched the 2025 Tullamore Show and the FBD National Livestock Show. The minister attended the annual sponsors evening which took place recently on the banks of the Grand Canal at the Old Warehouse in Tullamore. The 2025 Tullamore Show will take place at the Butterfield Estate, Blueball, Co. Offaly on Sunday, August 10. Tullamore Show The MC on the night was once again, Derek Nevin who along with his wife, Michelle Leaper Nevin, are co-ordinators of the canine section at the show. Derek first introduced the new chairperson of Tullamore Show, John Keena who thanked all the sponsors. 'No matter how small or large the sponsorship is, it's what helps us keep the show running,' he said. John also thanked the Minister Heydon for his presence and acknowledged his role in the farm safety live demostrations over the years. (L-R) Mary Dunphy FBD, Pat Gilligan FBD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, Emer O'Byrne FBD and Amanda Brennan FBD He also acknowledged title sponsors FBD, the landowners of the Butterfield Estate Anne Marie Butterfield and Stephen Mc Quade, along with the landowners who provided the car parks and access areas to the site. The chairperson concluded his speech with a list of new attractions to the show. One of the many new additions will be a display cow, which was sponsored by Cormac Tagging. In collaboration with Offaly County Council and the ESB, Tullamore Show will have the Sustainable Livestock Village powered by hydrogen, which will be a first of its kind at an agricultural show. Goats, Valais Blacknose Sheep and Fleckvieh cattle are also some new additions to the show, along with a VEX Robotics class in the inventions section. Livestock Pat Gilligan, FBD head of sales in the midlands and western region, said that the company is proud to the title sponsor of the Tullamore Show. 'It is the highlight of the FBD's busy summer calendar and one we look forward to each year. 'Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show is a wonderful reflection of all that is positive within Ireland's livestock and farming sector. 'FBD are proud to be involved in the Sustainable Livestock Village with the ever popular FBD speakers corner again this year,' he said. During his speech, Minister Martin Heydon reminisced on the interaction he has had over the years with Tullamore Show. Heydon noted that agricultural shows such as Tullamore Show play a vital part in exhibiting farming and all that goes with it, it is a way to synchronise rural – urban communities. The speeches concluded with chair John Keena and show secretary Chelsey Cox McDonald making a presentation to Minister Martin Heydon.
Irish Times
4 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Bill to ban foxhunting in Ireland causes discontent in Dáil
Animal rights activists gathered outside the Leinster House on Tuesday today in support of People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger's Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2025, which seeks to ban foxhunting in Ireland. The Billseeks to ban trail hunting, snaring and fox trapping, which she says 'have all proven to be loopholes in the UK', where foxhunting was banned in 2005. 'There's no reason to be killing animals for entertainment', Coppinger said before introducing the Bill on Tuesday, describing the practice as 'an elitist so-called sport'. Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said last week the Government is satisfied by 'voluntary codes of practices' established by the Hunting Association of Ireland. READ MORE These provisions account for the treatment of animals during hunts as well as concerns of landowners on which the hunt is taking place. Under the existing legislation, people may be prosecuted for animal hunting if 'a specific case of animal neglect or cruelty is identified'. Supporters of Ms Coppinger's Bill say this provision does not go far enough. Irish Council Against Blood Sports spokesperson Aideen Yourell spoke outside the Dáil of 'the most appalling conditions' suffered by both the foxes and the hunting hounds. She wasn't overly hopeful about the prospects of the Bill. 'We don't get support from the major parties, and Sinn Féin are hedging their bets', she said. Independent Ireland TD Michael Collins and Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae both opposed the Bill at its first stage, a departure from typical Dáil procedure. Ms Coppinger described this move as 'unprecedented' and 'a stifling of the freedom of debate and the freedom of speech'. Mr Collins labelled foxes as a 'pest species [who] can cause a serious concern to many farmers', while Mr Healy-Rae said 'they come into towns and villages, they go in and out of bins. They're everywhere, they've taken over the place'. Mr Healy-Rae said he was calling a vote on the issue before being told by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy that he could not do that. 'If I'm going to call a vote, I let you know,' she said. Chief whip Mary Butler said the Government was not opposing the Bill at first stage but would consider it at second stage. – Additional reporting PA
