The newly elected IFA President Joe Healy has said that tackling the crisis in farm incomes will be his number one priority and he has asked for the continued strong support from IFA members.
The Galway dairy farmer from Athenry, who was elected last week, was speaking at the Association’s AGM at the Irish Farm Centre in Dublin.
He said that farm incomes are too low and are unsustainable at their current levels and that politicians need to get serious and recognise that there is a real income crisis on Irish farms.
Mr Healy also promised to restore trust, transparency and credibility to the IFA and to strengthen its governance and transparency.
He also highlighted product prices, retail regulation, fertiliser and other input costs, as well as the live EU Mercosur trade negotiations with South American countries as immediate issues that need to be addressed
Mr Healy said it is totally unacceptable that farmers, who do most of the work in producing high-quality food, are receiving a price below the cost of production.
"There is unrelenting downward pressure by powerful retailers and processors on farm prices,” he said.
He said that the situation is not sustainable and based on what consumers are paying, "farmers are entitled to more and should get a fair return for their work and investment".
Mr Healy said he will push for stronger grocery legislation to include an independent ombudsman to investigate complaints from suppliers, and a ban on below cost selling.
With regard to the crisis in farmer confidence in the IFA caused by the recent high pay debacle and the resignation of its former general Secretary Pat Smith and former President Eddie Downey, he told the AGM that members have felt let down at failures in transparency, governance and decision making.
However, he added that farmers need a strong and united IFA to fight for viable farm incomes and said he is determined to lead a united and strong farm organisation that is totally committed to putting farmers first.
Mr Healy promised that in future full IFA financial accounts will be published on the IFA website for all members to see before the AGM every year.
He also said that his own pay level and that of the Director General will be set by the Remuneration Committee and will in future be made publicly available.
He also said that a review of the levy collected on all agricultural transactions that goes towards founding the IFA will begin immediately and will be followed by a comprehensive review of all areas of income and expenditure.
He also said that wants to see a reinvigorated and vibrant IFA branch network, meeting more frequently and feeding into the county executives.
