Farmevent1-1200x675 Future of Farming in Clare Takes Centre Stage — Geraldine Gregan; Aoibhinn O’Dwyer; Micheál O’Dwyer, Chair of Clare ICMSA; Joe Cooney TD; and Catríona Power, Clare Macra Na Feirme.

Clare farmers will gather in Ennis next month for a major conference addressing the future of family farming and the challenges facing generational farm businesses.

The event, Farming in Clare: What the Future Holds?, takes place on Friday, September 12, at Hotel Woodstock. It is organised by Clare TD Joe Cooney in partnership with the local branches of ICMSA, IFA, and Macra na Feirme.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD will join the opening panel, Farming: Success and Succession, alongside representatives of Ireland’s main farm organisations. The panel will explore the pressures facing farm families and strategies for sustaining viable businesses across generations.

A second discussion, Redefining a Successful Farm in 2045, will bring together national and European policymakers, farmers, and agricultural experts to examine trends in profitability, innovation, and sustainability in Irish farming.

Delegates will also hear updates on the SCEENE Project on the Loop Head Peninsula and research from Teagasc on animal and grassland innovation. A farm business showcase will run throughout the day, offering networking opportunities with service providers and innovators.

Minister Heydon said generational renewal is “one of the most critical challenges facing Irish agriculture” and highlighted the upcoming report from the Commission on Generational Renewal as a key guide for future policy.

Deputy Cooney said the conference would provide a vital platform for farmers to discuss succession planning, farm viability, and the future of rural communities. He called on all Clare farmers to attend the free event and engage directly with experts and policymakers.

Attendance is free but registration is required at https://tinyurl.com/ClareFarming.