Macra has said the European Commissioner for Agriculture "must not drop the ball" on supporting "productive farmers".

Macra was responding to comments made by Commissioner Christophe Hansen during talks with Ireland's agri-sector stakeholders at the 2026 National Ploughing Championships, which took place this week in Co. Offaly.

Macra said it welcomed comments made by the commissioner when he attended day three of the Ploughing on Thursday (September 17).

According to the young farmer and rural youth organisation, the commissioner emphasised his aim to support "productive" farmers and "agricultural output".

Macra said that it has "historically and strongly" held the view that active farmers who are producing food should be prioritised when it comes to support under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), rather than funding being directed towards "those who simply own or manage land".

Macra is calling for support to be targeted towards those who are actively farming and "bear the inherent risks associated with the day-to-day running and financial management of a farm business".

The organisation is calling for an active farmer definition that would reflect genuine farming activity and agricultural production, and would exclude the maintenance of landscape features or topping, where undertaken in isolation.

Speaking after the commissioner's comments, Macra president Josephine O'Neill said: "Macra welcomes the commissioner’s clear emphasis on productive farming and agricultural output.

"This is something we have consistently advocated for - that CAP support should recognise those who are actively farming, producing food and taking on the considerable financial and operational risks associated with running a farm business," O'Neill added.

"The farmers who are getting up every day to milk cows; feed stock; sow, manage and harvest crops; manage their farms; and make the financial decisions that underpin agricultural production should be at the heart of the future CAP," the Macra president said.

The farm organisation said it also welcomes proposals for EU member states to use targeted coupled income support to support active food production and the economic viability of farm businesses, particularly for beef and sheep sectors.

According to Macra, production-linked payments "can play an important role" in helping young farmers expand their businesses, increase livestock numbers and improve productivity, while recognising the significant upfront costs in establishing a productive herd or flock.

Josephine O'Neill said: "Those who are actively farming and taking on the risks associated with agricultural production must be recognised in how CAP support is designed and delivered."