A call for urgent action was made by Macra president Josephine O’Neill for the support of young farmers. Ms O’Neill has called for immediate and decisive action to support young farmers, warning waiting until CAP 2028 is simply too late given the current level of uncertainty facing the sector. Ms O’Neill asked Mr Heydon: “Considering the huge uncertainty surrounding Mercosur and the statistics of young farmers, waiting until CAP 2028 is too late to commit to young farmers. Ms O’Neill emphasised the recommendations already made by the Commission on Generational Renewal must be accelerated and implemented well before 2028. Waiting until the next CAP risks leaving young farmers behind.”

Source: Irish Examiner January 21, 2026 22:14 UTC