Longford Farming: Generational renewal must start with farm viability says ICSA chief

ICSA president Sean McNamara has said that the discussions at last month's Securing the Future of Farming: Generational Renewal, Women in Agriculture and Food Security interparliamentary conference highlighted issues that are central to the future of agriculture.

However he stated that none of these ambitions can be achieved without viable family farms.

“We have heard a lot this week about food security, generational renewal and the role of women in agriculture.

"All of these issues are important. But now those words have to mean something. Everything we want from agriculture depends on viable family farms.”

Mr McNamara added, “There is little point talking about attracting the next generation into farming if the current generation is struggling to make a living.

"Generational renewal begins with ensuring that today’s family farms remain viable.

“Young people will not commit to a future in farming unless they can see that farming offers a decent income and a worthwhile career.

"If we want people to stay on the land and build a future in agriculture, then we have to make sure farming is economically sustainable.”

Mr McNamara said the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must put farm viability at the centre of its priorities.

“The next CAP has to recognise the reality facing family farms.

Farmers are being asked to deliver food security, climate action and biodiversity, but none of that can happen if the farm business itself is not viable.

The future CAP cannot simply become a vehicle for placing additional obligations on farmers.

It must provide the resources that allow farm families to make a decent living, invest in their businesses and plan for the future.”

He said the Irish Government now has an important role to play in ensuring that the priorities discussed this week are reflected in the next CAP. “Ireland has to make the case that these ambitions depend on economically sustainable family farms.

The Government must be prepared to fight for a properly funded CAP and ensure that Ireland is helping to shape the outcome rather than simply responding to decisions made elsewhere.