The government is being called on to ensure the new national rural policy is used to boost generational renewal in Irish agriculture.

The government announced the new version of the 'Our Rural Future' policy this week.

Macra has said that young people "must be at the heart" of the government's plans under the policy.

The young farmer and rural youth organisation has called for "meaningful action" under the policy to ensure farmers and other young people can build their futures in rural Ireland.

The new government policy sets out 34 high-level commitments to strengthen rural communities, support local economies and improve quality of life.

Key areas mentioned in the policy include rural enterprise and employment; access to services; digital connectivity; and measures to address rural isolation.

According to Macra, the success of the policy will depend on how effectively those commitments "translate into tangible opportunities for young people", particularly those seeking to establish careers, businesses and homes in rural communities.

As well as the new rural policy, young farmers will need a well-funded Common Agricultural Policy (CAP); support for generational renewal; and investment in viable farm businesses.

"Rural development must also ensure access to housing, transport, services and employment opportunities, allowing young people to remain in the communities where they grew up or choose to build their futures," Macra said.

"A policy such as this can provide huge opportunity to ensure that our rural areas can remain attractive to our young people by providing employment and leisure opportunities and, importantly, suitable housing," the farm organisation added.

According to Macra, the success of the policy hinges on adequate funding. However, the organisation said that uncertainty over future funding for the EU's LEADER rural programme is a concern.

"It will be vital that our government commit to LEADER funding post-2027 by maintaining the national exchequer allocation and ensuring that a ring-fenced LEADER fund will be maintained post-2027," Macra said.

"Rural communities need more than ambitious policy statements; they need practical supports and sustained investment that recognise the contribution of young people to the future of rural Ireland," the organisation added.