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Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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4,000 ‘forgotten farmers’ to receive payments under new CAP

Macra na Feirme have welcomed Minister McConalogue’s recent commitment to accommodate the ‘forgotten farmers’ for payments under the new CAP.

Its national president, Thomas Duffy, said this has been a long time coming as these young farmers have been “left out in the cold for far too long”.

“We are delighted with the news and we welcome Minister McConalogue’s commitment to resolving the matter for the affected young farmers in the new CAP arrangements.”

4,000 ‘forgotten farmers’

Macra na Feirme have been lobbying for this for a number of years with previous agriculture ministers. Also, the group raised the matter with the EU Commission in the past.

According to the rural youth organisation, there are approximately 4,000 farmers in this category, who have not been previously accommodated for.

“All young farmers deserve equal treatment. Macra want assurances that this does not happen again to any young farmer,” stated president Duffy.

In his view, young farmers should have access to all supports available to them, especially in the early years of their career when they are most likely to be under pressure.

Young farmers, he added, are the key component for the future of agriculture and “everything possible should be done to help them along their journeys”.

38th Macra presidential race

Meanwhile, the 38th Macra presidential race is underway with members set to elect a new national president for the 2021-2021 term in the coming months.

Simultaneously, elections in Munster, the north-west and Leinster regions of Macra will elect vice-presidents for the 2021-2023 term.

The young farmers and rural youth body’s biannual national elections take place in April this year.

Key dates: 38th Macra presidential race

Macra na Feirme has announced its key dates for this year’s elections:

  • February 10th– Issue of nomination papers to clubs
  • March 3rd Nominations close
  • March 17th Issue of ballot papers
  • April 7th– Election Count of ballot papers

President Thomas Duffy said: “Election season is always an exciting time for Macra na Feirme. Obviously, this year, our elections and events have had to have some changes to allow for compliance with restrictions.”

“To account for these unusual times, a schedule of events has been planned virtually to offer members an opportunity to hear from candidates.”

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