The majority of young farmers feel they should have the right to bear arms to defend their property, according to a recent Macra na Feirme survey.
The results of the survey carried out by the organisation for young farmers show that over 80% of the 264 respondents feel this way.
Meanwhile, the survey results also show that one in two young farmers have been affected by rural crime.
One respondent to the survey said ‘there needs to be an app or some text service that allows people to give information if they see suspicious activity.’
One more young farmer said that if a trespassers enters property with the intent to commit a crime the farmer should have the right to do whatever is necessary to protect their land because if nothing is done, ‘What stops others from going into farms and doing the same?’.
Macra at the ploughing
Macra na Feirme will also be attending the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
The organisation for young farmers will launch its new farm safety programme, the ABP Safe Agri Skills, while over the course of the three days, Macra will discuss issues such as land mobility, mental health and various agricultural issues affecting Irish farmers today.
President of Macra na Feirme, Sean Finan said he looks forward to welcoming members, both past and present, farmers and the general public to the Macra na Feirme stand at this year’s ploughing.
The ploughing championships are a wonderful opportunity to discuss with young farmers the issues that are challenging us and our industry at the moment.
“I would also like to wish all those taking part in the National Ploughing Association Macra na Feirme Ploughing Class on Wednesday morning , the very best of luck,” he said.