Generational farming at the heart of newly announced Clare farm conference

Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, in partnership with the Clare branches of ICMSA, IFA and Macra na Feirme, has announced a major farm conference to take place in the county.

Aimed at addressing the future of farming and the challenges facing generational farm families, the event, titled 'Farming in Clare: What the Future Holds?', will take place on Friday, September 12. The conference will run from 9am to 2pm at Hotel Woodstock in Ennis.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD will join the opening panel, 'Farming: Success and Succession', alongside John Enright, General Secretary of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, Conor O’Leary, Munster Regional Chair of the Irish Farmers Association and Josephine O’Neill, National President of Macra na Feirme.

The panel will examine the pressures and opportunities involved in sustaining farm businesses across generations.

A second panel, 'Redefining a Successful Farm in 2045', will feature MEP Seán Kelly, Nick McCarthy of Lúnasa Farm, Joe Melody of Melody Farm Eggs, agricultural solicitor Aisling Meehan and Conor Geraghty, past chair of Veterinary Ireland. The discussion will focus on how farming is evolving in terms of profitability, innovation and sustainability.

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Delegates will also hear presentations on the SCEENE Project on the Loop Head Peninsula in West Clare and from Laurence Shalloo, Head of Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation at Teagasc. A showcase of farm-focused businesses will run throughout the day, offering networking opportunities with service providers and innovators in the sector.

Minister Martin Heydon said, “Generational renewal is one of the most critical challenges facing Irish agriculture. Farm families are the backbone of our rural economy and we need to ensure that younger farmers are supported to build viable and sustainable businesses.

“I am looking forward to receiving the final report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in the coming weeks, which will help guide future policy in this area. I am also delighted to meet members of the farming community in Clare at this important conference to hear their views directly and to secure their input on the issues that matter most to them,” added the Minister.

Deputy Joe Cooney said the conference would provide a platform for Clare farmers to discuss succession planning, farm viability and the future of rural communities.

He said, “I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by farm families and of the importance of the agricultural sector for our county. This event presents an opportunity for Clare farmers to come together with leading experts and National and European policy makers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities throughout the county. I would extend an open invitation to all to attend this free event.”

Attendance at the conference is free but advance registration is required. To secure your place today, you can go here.