Martin Heydon

Influence change for the Irish Farm & Forestry Contractor sector

change policy

change policy

Change policy

To highlight issues regarding farmers having to pay for more than one Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) test per year::To seek clarity on who pays for new TB Testing requirements from 1st February::To request an update on the Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) programme

To demonstrate that the Teagasc assessment of incomes on sheep farms show margins dropping 81% to €7/ewe, which includes the €10/ewe Sheep Welfare Scheme payment in 2022. This is unsustainable, sheep farming is a low income vulnerable sector that does not have the capacity to…

To highlight that pig farmers are currently experiencing immense pressure. That the previous week there was a 4c/kg drop in the pig price paid to farmers, leaving the average pig price back to just over €2.00/kg.::To highlight that pig farmers acknowledge the support from…

To highlight the role of Women in Agriculture, women in farming and to discuss the challenges and opportunities::To highlight the importance of extending 10 year Ownership and Usage Period for Capital Gains Tax Retirement Relief to Spouse for Lifetime Transfers.::To discuss…

To brief Members of the Oireachtas on the Nitrates Derogation::Member States must apply to the European Commission every four years to be granted a nitrates derogation. Strict criteria must be met in order to get a derogation. Member states must demonstrate that the higher…

To highlight that it is a critical time for the sheep sector, with falling prices and rising costs placing huge pressure on farmers::To highlight the challenges facing sheep farmers with factory prices running at €1/kg behind last year's levels, and with no reduction in…

Highlight the fact that Macra is very concerned that the current proposal will severely impact crop yields and contribute to food price inflation in the long term. The Sustainable Use of Pesticide Regulation raises a number of questions, comments and observations that young…

Highlight Macra's position that involving a private investment fund is not the correct approach for the expansion of forestry in Ireland and will have a negative impact on generational renewal and access to land for young farmers.

Development of a succession scheme for farmers by Government, DAFM and the Minister for Agriculture.

Under the last CAP construction costs were eligible for new milking parlours for those qualifying as part of the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme however, the new scheme does not to cover this cost for young farmers. The intended result was to get the decision changed.…

Macra consider this unfair and discriminatory. Asked for support to remove the inclusion of previous investment in robotic milking equipment as a means of excluding farmers under TAMS 3.