Membership-led rural youth organisation, Macra na Feirme, has announced a name change to represent its “commitment to the past whilst continuing to look forward”.
Macra is now its new name, arising from its rebrand, which Maria Walsh MEP officially launched at this year’s National Ploughing Championships.
With over 70 years of community engagement and 170 clubs, Macra has a “longstanding and strong” social network of over 250,000 people throughout Ireland.
Macra rebrand
Speaking to That’s Farming editor, Catherina Cunnane, Macra CEO, Mick Curran, said:
“The change in our name from Macra na Feirme is not driven by any change in our structure or membership. It reflects how we have been known for decades.”
“People rarely used the full name when referring to us; the rename is a recognition of this.”
When asked how many members are active farmers, Curran responded:
“As to the number of our members who are active farmers, it is approximately 3,500 or 33% of our members. There has been no change in this proportion in many years.”
“We have always been a strong voice on behalf of young farmers. We will continue to be a strong voice on behalf of young farmers. Also, we are the voice of rural youth, many of whom are also farmers,” he concluded.
President’s words
Macra president, John Keane said the new brand is “a blend of the past mixed with the optimise of the future”.
He said the group’s roots – which stem back over 77 years to its founder, Stephen Cullinane – are “grounded” in education, forming connections and challenging the status quo.
“As we look forward to the future, these values are at our core, coupled with new opportunities in connecting young people and creating an organisation that is a natural home for all rural youth.”
He concluded: “At Macra, we are about bowling, beverages, and banter. Also, we are about public speaking, drama, and debating and being heard on the issues that impact our lives.”
“Moreover, we are about local activities and national events, agri and cultural. We are about having fun with sport and healthy competition between our nationwide network of Macra clubs.”
“But mostly, we are about you. Welcoming you and your ideas to our local clubs so you can have your say and have the craic! “
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