The Macra National Conference will take place this Saturday (October 24), with two topics set to dominate the agenda.

The event, which is themed "Staking Our Claim - Securing the Future of Farming and Rural Ireland" will focus on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and generational renewal.

The conference will take place at Fitzgerald's Woodlands Hotel in Co. Limerick.

With negotiations on the CAP intensifying at EU level, Macra is calling for "meaningful financial commitments" to support the next generation of farmers.

Rising costs; access to land and finance; and farm viability "remain significant barriers" for young people seeking to enter or develop a career in agriculture, Macra said.

"Generational renewal must move beyond political ambition and be backed by targeted supports that give young farmers the confidence and opportunity to build sustainable businesses," according to the farm organisation.

This weekend's conference will feature two panel discussions on agricultural and rural development policy.

The first panel, titled 'Our Future at Stake - Farming Beyond 2027' will look at the role of future CAP supports in addressing farm viability, generational renewal, access to land and investment.

The second panel, 'Claiming Our Place – Building the Future of Rural Ireland' will examine how rural development policy can support young farmers, rural enterprise and young people who want to stay in rural communities.

Speakers at the conference will include Peter Meedendorp, president of the EU young farmers' organisation CEJA; rural economy researcher for Teagasc, Anne Kinsella; and professor of generational renewal and farm viability at University College Dublin (UCD), Dr. Brian Leonard.

Macra said that the conference will "consider a fundamental question" of how European agricultural and rural development policy can "give the next generation the support and opportunity to farm, work and build their futures in rural Ireland".

Speaking ahead of the event, Macra president Josephine O'Neill said: "I'm delighted to welcome such prestigious speakers to our national conference.

"Together, I have no doubt that they will ensure a wide-ranging conversation highlighting not just the challenges faced by rural Ireland and farming families but the opportunities that the future will offer," O'Neill added.

The conference is part of a wider timetable of events as part of Macra's annual rally.

The weekend will also see attendees embark on farm tours, compete in competitions, and engage with fellow Macra members from around the country.