IFA council ratifies appointment of Pat Smith as body’s chief executive

THE appointment of Pat Smith as general secretary and chief executive of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) was ratified at a special meeting of its executive council in Dublin yesterday.

IFA president Padraig Walshe, who proposed the appointment, said Mr Smith has shown outstanding commitment and energy during his time in the association and is well equipped to provide the leadership required into the future.

“His exceptional record in increasing membership and strengthening the resources of IFA has been critical to the success of the organisation,” he said.

Mr Smith, who has been IFA director of organisation since 1990, succeeds Michael Berkery, who is retiring in March after more than 25 years in the post.

Addressing the executive council after his appointment, Mr Smith said he was greatly honoured to have been selected for this important role in Irish agriculture.

“I will commit all my personal skills, experience and determination to building on the outstanding contribution made by the previous general secretary, Michael Berkery, and to delivering on the association’s policy and organisational goals,” he said.

Mr Smith thanked the president, board and executive council members for their confidence and trust in selecting him as only the fourth general secretary of the IFA since it was founded in 1955.

He said the IFA’s greatest strength is its unity of purpose, and commitment to doing everything possible to improve the income and living standards of Irish farmers.

“I am looking forward to working with the president, executive council, voluntary members and the dedicated team of highly committed staff in facing the challenges ahead,” he said.

Mr Smith, who takes over as general secretary on March 30, is a native of Tierworker/Kilmainham-wood parish in north Meath and comes from a farming background.

He joined the IFA 20 years ago as executive secretary of the Farm Business and Environment Committees.

A year later, he became director of organisation.

Agri Aware chairman Mairead Lavery said Mr Smith is deeply passionate about the interests of Irish farmers and will bring a new enthusiasm to the sector and assist its progression through these challenging times.