New IFA president Downey vows to make farm incomes a priority

Co Meath man Eddie Downey has been elected as the new president of the IFA.

Mr Downey ran against Jer Bergin from Laois to take over from outgoing president John Bryan.

The Meath farmer, who has served as deputy president for the past four years, won with 1,079 votes, compared with Mr Bergin’s 779.

He will take up his new role in January.

Cork man Tim O’Leary was elected new deputy president, while James McCarthy, James Murphy, Tom Turley and Bert Stewart were elected as regional chairmen-elect.

Speaking after his election, Mr Downey he would do all in his power to improve the incomes and conditions of all farm families. He called on the Government to immediately deliver on their commitment to provide a strong Rural Development Programme for 2014-2020.

“There has to be Government delivery on 50:50 co-funding for the next Rural Development Programme in order to secure the future of thousands of farm families around the country, especially those in vulnerable sectors and regions. We need to see a well-funded agri-environment scheme and disadvantaged areas programme, and targeted support for the suckler cow and sheep sectors,” he said.

Mr Downey was particularly critical of the decision of retailers to offer giveaway prices on vegetables and potatoes in the run-in to Christmas. “It is unforgivable to cheapen food at this crucial time for growers. Consumers are willing to pay a realistic price for Irish produce and a price war between the retailers displays scant regard for the value and work of a sector of Irish farming that is already under pressure due to rising costs and downward pressure on prices,” he said.

The new IFA president said product prices across all commodities, and a Charter of Farmers’ Rights that reduces bureaucracy and penalties, will be prioritised during his term.