www.macra.ie

Macra na Feírme

Young FarmerInformation Booklet

September 2015

This invaluable resource gives you an insight into the significant workthat Macra does on your behalf and for young farmers on a continualbasis. It also outlines the wide range of activities, events andcompetitions provided by Macra. For young farmers there are hugeopportunities out there at the moment. The new CAP is in place withmandatory young farmer measures for the first time, our LandMobility service is growing and the Government has published itsroad map for food production in the country - Foodwise 2025.However, challenges still remain with commodity prices in somesectors under pressure and access to agricultural education and issueswhich we are lobbying hard for.Macra na Feirme as the voice of young farmers will continue to lobby the government onthe issues which affect you. Through our involvement with CEJA, the European youngfarmers body we can also work on these issues at an EU level to help young farmers.A huge amount of farm accidents take place every year which have devastatingconsequences for those involved and their families. If you identify hazards on your farm takeaction today to make your work place a safer place as one death in our industry is a deathtoo many.

Seán FinanNational President 2015-2017: 087 414 6480

Message from the President

Today in Ireland there are more farmers over the age of 80 thanunder 35. You, as a young farmer, are the future of Irish farming butare a minority. There are over seven billion people in the world andthis is expected to increase to over nine billion by 2020. The FAOforecast that global food demand is expected to jump by 70% in thenext 35 years. European research uncovered that young farmers are40% more efficient than older farmers. This means that you areperfectly placed to seize this opportunity. With no new land being made, these increases must be met throughimproved and more modern methods of farming. I strongly believe there is a bright future for technically efficient,positive and hardworking farmers with an open mind. As Ireland’s sole young farmerorganisation, Macra na Feirme are permanently fighting for young farmers and ensuring theyget a fair slice of the cake. My advice as a fellow young farmer is to join a discussion group,implement modern farming practices and be an active member of Macra.

Bryan HynesAgricultural Affairs Committee Chairperson: 086 171 4430

Agricultural Affairs Committee

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Competitions and Travel OpportunitiesFBD Young Farmer of the YearThe aim of this competition is to recognise and reward thebest young farmers in the country. Entrants are judgedaccording to a number of criteria including farm businessinitiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency andenterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protectionawareness, as well as agricultural knowledge and communityinvolvement.

Irish Farmers Journal Stephen Cullinan ScholarshipThe scholarship enables young farmers to visit New Zealand and

work for six months to gain experience of alternative methodsof dairy farming. The scholarship winners receive a returntravel ticket to New Zealand and a guarantee of six monthswork. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 years andcommitted to pursuing a career in the dairy industry. Details ofthe scholarship are available in the Irish Famer’s Journal in April.

Bord Bia Beef and Sheep Stockjudging competitionThis competition helps young farmers become skilled atassessing livestock, thus preparing them for the actual job ofbuying and selling farm animals. Stockjudging broadens theyoung farmers’ knowledge of new developments instockbreeding, husbandry and disease control. There is asenior class in sheep and an under 23 and senior in beef.

Griffin Engineering Welding CompetitionThis competition is designed to help members to learn theskills of welding. The competition includes an academic testand a series of practical welding tests. The prize for thewinner includes a welder.

FRS ScholarshipAn annual scholarship, sponsored by the Farm ReliefServices is awarded by Macra to a top student of theLeadership Module.

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Ornua Dairy StockjudgingThis competition helps young farmers becomeskilled at assessing livestock and it encouragesdecision making. There are both U23 and seniorclasses and the competition has an academic testand judging elements.

FBD Farm Skills CompetitionA team competition to help young farmersdevelop the skills required in modern farmingand to create greater awareness of farm safety.The competition includes tractor team work,farming knowledge-written team quiz and stockproof fencing/gate hanging.

Travel opportunitiesTravel opportunities range from a club taking thefirst initiative in organising a local trip for itsmembers, to a club or region organising aninternational exchange. These include culturalexchanges, young farmer exchanges and aprizewinners trip.

Irish Farmers Journal Know Your Agriculture QuizThis competition consists of teams of four andencourages members to explore and improvetheir agricultural knowledge. The followingcategories are covered: dairying, drystock,grassland and tillage, farm management,agricultural policy, machinery and safety, ruraldevelopment and general knowledge.

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NEW CAP – MACRA FIGHTIFor the first time in the history of the Common Agricultural Policy there is a chapterdedicated to young farmers that consists of a mandatory top-up on direct payments in thefirst years of farming. Macra, through CEJA had proposed the idea of a support measure foryoung farmers to assist them in establishing their farm business and to address the ageprofile in the sector. These are some of the specific measures Macra helped secured in thenew CAP 2015-2020.

CAP Post 2014

25% Young Farmer Single Farm Payment Top-up For the first time in the history of the Common Agricultural Policy, there is a chapterdedicated to young farmers that consists of a mandatory top-up on direct payments in thefirst years of farming. Macra, through the Conseil Européen des Jeunes Agriculteurs (CEJA)had proposed the idea of a support measure for young farmers to assist them in establishingtheir farm business and to address the age profile in the sector. This resulted in a mandatory25% top-up on Basic Payment for new entrant young farmers for their first five years ofinstallation. An applicant must be under 40 years for their first application to the scheme.The top-up is a fixed payment (approx €64 per entitlement) based on the national averagevalue of entitlements and is paid per entitlement held up to a maximum of 50ha per year.

Basic Payment National Reserve As part of CAP reform 2015, a new SFP National Reserve was created. For the first time,certain qualified, young farmers and new entrants with low or no entitlements are a prioritywithin the National Reserve. Certain objective criteria including young farmer status,agricultural education and off farm income, and maximum area limits apply. Availability offunds for allocation from the National Reserve is dependent on mechanisms to replenishthe reserve. Macra will lobby for sufficient funds to be available in the National Reserve.

Young Farmer Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) TAMS II provides an enhanced grant rate of 60% in respect of investments by certainqualified, young farmers. These include: farm nutrient storage; animal housing; dairyequipment; low-emission spreading equipment; animal welfare and farm safety; energywater meters and medicine dispensers for the pig and poultry sector. In addition, grant aidsupport for dairy buildings is available specifically for qualifying young farmers. The overallceiling for investment is €80,000 per holding, however, low emission spreading equipment isnot subject to this ceiling and has a separate €40,000 ceiling. The 60% grant rate is open toyoung farmers who commenced farming within the past five years, other young, trainedfarmers will be prioritised under the 40% grant rate.

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IFAC – Macra’s partner forYoung Farmer Development Groups in Ireland and Europe.

ING FOR YOUNG FARMERS Collaborative farming Grant The establishment of new farm partnerships that are recorded on the Department ofAgriculture, Food and Marine farm partnershipsregister could be eligible for a 50% grant of a€5000 ceiling. This grant is aimed to encouragecollaborative farming by offsetting legal,accounting and administrative expenditureinvolved in setting up a partnership. Similarly,once the register for share farming is established these arrangements should benefit under the scheme.

Knowledge Transfer Groups This new scheme under the Rural Development Program 2014-2020 builds on the discussiongroup model and is designed to ensure the farmer and advisor engage in discussion on keyaspects of a farmers’ business such as profitability, environmental sustainability, breedingand herd health. Knowledge Transfer Groups will be introduced across the Beef, Sheep,Dairy, Poultry, Tillage and Equine sectors. Participating farmers will attend five KnowledgeExchange meetings each year for three years and complete a Farm Improvement Plan and inreturn will receive €750 annually for each of the three years they successfully complete theprogram. This is an opportunity for young farmers to get involved in technical discussiongroups, for more information contact 01 4268904.

Macra negotiating in EuropeAs a member of CEJA (European Council of Young Farmers) Macra is continuouslypushing for better encouragement and support for young farmers. Regular meetings withother European young farmers, the EU Commission and MEP’s occur. Macra past presidentAlan Jagoe is the current President of CEJA.

EU Civil Dialogue Groups Macra through CEJA are represented on a number of the new EU Commission Civil DialogueGroups. Civil Dialogue groups assist the EU Commission and help regular dialogue on allmatters relating to the common agricultural policy, including rural development, and itsimplementation. CEJA’s young farmers were successful in securing 35 expert seats across 28member states of which Macra secured six seats filled by young farmers.

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Macra at work and play

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INCENTIVES SECURED BY MACRA FOR YOUNG,TRAINED FARMERS

The following incentives are subject to change in the October 2015 Budget, for furtherupdates contact Derrie Dillon on 01 426 8904 or ddillon@macra.ie

Exemption from Stamp Duty on farm transfers to young, trained farmers Young, trained farmers are currently exempt from stamp duty on receipt of a landtransfer. This is a very important measure for young farmers and is currently secured untilDecember 31, 2015. Macra will lobby for the extension of this relief in their 2016 prebudget submission.

100% Stock Relief for young, trained farmers for their first four years infarming The stock relief measure available to young, trained farmers is of significant benefit as itenables them to offset any increase in the value of stock against their tax liability onbook profits. This measure effectively aids young farmers to build up stock numbersduring their first four years in farming. This relief is secured until December 31, 2015.Macra will lobby for the extension of this relief.

Stock Relief for PartnershipsA 50% stock relief provision for registered dairy farm partnerships and 100% stock relieffor certain qualified young farmers was recently introduced. This relief is available tillDecember 31, 2015. Macra will lobby for the extension of this relief.

Land leasingMacra secured tax exemptions for individuals aged 40 years or over who are leasing outtheir land on a long-term basis to €18,000 for leases of between five and six years,€22,500 for leases of seven years but less than 10years and €30,000 for leases of between10 but less than 15 years. Increasing the relief encourages older farmers to long-termlease their land and Basic Payment entitlements and increases the supply of landavailable to young trained farmers. There is also a tax exemption of €40,000 for 15 yearsor more leases.

Land restructuring capital gains reliefMacra lobbied for a land restructuring relief to allow farmers restructure their farmholdings without being liable for capital taxes. The introduction of this relief on capitalgains tax is particularly beneficial to young farmers who are in a position to restructure afragmented farm. This relief is available till December 31, 2016.

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Young Farmer Development Groups

Get involved in YFDGAre you a young farmer?If so, then you should be involved in your county Young Farmer DevelopmentGroup. Every county has a Young Farmer Development Group who meet in their county and discuss matters of interest to young farmers. They also organise farm walks and competitions for young farmers. As a young farmer, you should get involved in your county YFDG group. County contact details areavailable on www.macra.ie. Each group plans a series of meetings and farm walksrelevant to young farmers. You will get to meet industry experts and a variety offarmers. This is an ideal way to broaden your knowledge and become a moreeffective and efficient farmer.

For further details contact ddillon@macra.ie

IFAC Accountantsare Macra na

Feirme’s partner for Young Farmer

Discussion Groups in Ireland

and Europe.

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Macra in Agricultural CollegesMacra supports Teagasc in the delivery of the leadership module as part ofthe Certificate in Agriculture through participation in a college Macra cluband various activities giving practical expression to leadership.

Training and DevelopmentMacra provides training opportunitiesfor specific club and county officerroles including young farmer chairand secretary positions. Macra inconjunction with ICOS offer trainingfor young farmers who are interestedin taking up positions on committeesand boards of their co-operatives.

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Land Mobility ServiceThis service facilitates collaborative arrangements between farmers. Thesecollaborative arrangements include partnerships, share farming, contract rearing,and long term leases. The service is supported by FBD Trust and other industrystakeholders. If you are a young farmer interested in finding out more aboutcollaborative farming opportunities contact Austin Finn on 086 2541425 or atwww.landmobility.ie

Dawn Meats L2D educational toursDawn Meats have teamed up with Macra to run ‘Live to Dead’ (L2D)educational tours of their meat factories. The tours involve grading livecattle in the lairage, information on the Irish Meat Industry, viewing ofbeef primal cuts and examination of carcases of pre-scored cattle andcommentary. YFDG’s are encouraged to register their interest with Macra.

IFAC Accountants Planning, Finance and Progression Program The ‘Business Planning, Finance and Progression Program' for YFDG’s is targeted atyoung farmers who are near or at the point of taking over the farm. Thisintensive two day program with one overnight is delivered by both experiencedIFAC accountants and other speakers and is supported by Macra.

Young farmer Skillnet training program The Macra na Feirme Young Farmer Skillnet is a new pilot initiative to provide continuing informal training to young farmers. YFDG’s are encouraged to identify the training needs of their young farmers and contact Derrie Dillon on 01 4268904 if they have a group of young farmersready to participate in training. The demand and type of training is driven by young farmers.

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Your Macra ClubAs a member of Macra you are firstly amember of your local club. You will makenew friends and will do new things. Theclub has a chairperson, secretary, treasurerand PRO, all of whom are elected by theclub members each year. The membersdecide on the programme of activities forthe club. All members are encouraged totake part in some activities. This willinclude social activities and personaldevelopment through participation incompetitions, travel, sport andagriculture, members from other clubs inyour county and throughout Ireland.

If you want to join Macra, contact one of our Training and Development Officers:

Brigid Quigley 086 0822038 Offaly, North Tipperary, Limerick, Westmeath

Sinead Melaniff 087 188 0152 Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Meath

Hazel Wilkinson 085 8328549 Sligo, Mayo, Leitrim, Donegal

Siobhan Sexton 087 3463828 Galway, Roscommon, Clare, Longford

Jerry Murphy 087 9315783 Kerry, Cork regions: Carbery, Seandun, Muskerry, Avondhu

Jacqueline Walsh 087 7735659 Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Dublin, Kildare

Mick Wall 086 8359891 Kilkenny, Waterford, Imokilly (Cork), South Tipperary, Laois

Macra members get great discounts from:■ Discount of 10% on FBD personal accident insurance.■ €50 FBD Insurance voucher.■ The discount student fare on Bus Eireann services.■ Exclusive Macra offers with Three - which one's for you? Free smartphone, unlimited

calls & texts to all Irish mobile & landlines and excellent data plan or amazing sim onlyplan?! Call 01 202 1667 to find out more!

■ Discount of 15% on FBD car insurance for young drivers (17-35 years of age).■ €300 off first year services from IFAC Accountants.■ Discounts from a number of retailers including the Irish Red Cross, DID Electrical and

Sprint Design Inc.■ VHI group discount scheme.■ Local discounts for Macra members in your county!

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Macra na Feirme’s AgriculturalAffairs Committee Members 2015/2016

Macra na Feírme CEO: Edmond ConnollyTel: 01 4268900/ 087 8314729

For further information contact:Derrie Dillon Agricultural Affairs & Rural Development ManagerTel: 01 4268904 / 087 2834923Email: ddillon@macra.ie

Member: Name Region Phone Email

BRYAN HYNES(Committee Chair)

GALWAY 086 1714430 bryanjhynes@gmail.com

PATRICK MC CARTHY(Vice Chair)

CARBERY 086 1776096 patrick551@live.com

SEAN FINAN(National President)

ROSCOMMON 087 4146480 seanpfinan@gmail.com

KIERAN O'DOWD SLIGO 087 2065010 odowdk@hotmail.com

MICHELLE O'CALLAGHAN SEANDUN 086 3776490 michelle.moca83@gmail.com

PAUL QUINN CLARE 086 3027501 paulquinn2010@live.ie

EAMONN BRENNAN CARLOW 087 2943705 eamonnfbrennan@gmail.com

EAMON CASSELLS MEATH 085 1529112 eamon.cassells@gmail.com

MARCUS STEWART MONAGHAN 086 0717396 marcus-stewart@hotmail.com

GERARD GRIFFIN AVONDHU 087 6534567 gerardpgriffin@gmail.com

MICHAEL HALPIN WESTMEATH 086 8546798 michaelmhalpin@gmail.com

COLM STENSON LEITRIM 087 9000573 colm_stenson@yahoo.co.uk

SEAN COUGHLAN MAYO 087 2028962 seaniecoughlan@hotmail.com

JAMES FOLEY WATERFORD 087 9886197 theftauto79@gmail.com

AOIFE LADD AVONDHU 087 6907525 aoifeladd@gmail.com

NIALL NICHOLSON SEANDUN 087 7529027 niallnicholson@hotmail.com

GERALD HARNEY GALWAY 087 6696901 geraldharney@gmail.com

CLAIRE BAMBRICK KILKENNY 085 2823656 cbambrick@hotmail.com

SIOBHAN WALSH LAOIS 085 7424147 swalsh1989@gmail.com

ALAN JAGOE SEANDUN 087 9641383 alan_jagoe@eircom.net

RAY GILMARTIN LEITRIM 087 8325519 reaclarkegil@eircom.net

MICHAEL TOBIN SOUTH TIPP 086 1685169 michaeltobin@live.ie

NIAMH MOONEY WATERFORD 086 3519558 niamhmooney@eircom.net

NOEL DUFFY OFFALY 086 0630480 noelduffy1@hotmail.co.uk