Young Longford and Midlands farmers meet with EU Commissioner for Agriculture in Brussels

A group of young farmers from Longford and the Midlands-North West region had the opportunity to meet with Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen in the European Parliament recently, after they were hosted by MEP Maria Walsh.

The group travelled to Brussels this week to attend a Young Farmers’ Congress hosted by the European People’s Party (EPP) - the Parliament’s largest political party.

They heard from Commissioner Hansen during the Congress, when one young Irish farmer had the opportunity to pose a question to the Commissioner.

The group was made up of farmers representing counties across Midlands-North West, including Longford, Galway, Louth, Cavan, Mayo, Laois, Donegal and Meath.

Maria Walsh MEP said:
“Bringing young Irish farmers to Brussels and giving them direct access to the Commissioner for Agriculture is exactly how we ensure their voices shape the future of EU agriculture.

"I was delighted to see one of our farmers get the opportunity to question the Commissioner, where he raised the challenges facing the Irish tillage sector.

“These farmers are the heartbeat of our rural communities, but they are also entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders. Their passion for sustainability, food security, and the future of family farming is undeniable.

"They understand the reality of being a farmer in Ireland today better than anyone. They face serious challenges but have chosen a route many other young people have turned their backs on.

“Generational renewal dominated the discussions, and rightly so. Attracting more young people into agriculture begins with listening to those already on the ground and responding to their realities.

“The insights and lived experiences of these Irish young farmers must inform EU decisions on sustainability, food security, and fair incomes.

"My priority is to bring the voices of young Irish farmers to the forefront of Europe’s agricultural agenda - in particular as we continue to negotiate the new CAP proposals over the coming months and years.”

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