Macra defended as IFA members oppose reforms
From Cork to Donegal, a young farmers proposal in IFA's restructure plan has been shot down.
While IFA has not yet officially conceded any changes in the proposals, it is likely that they will mend their fences with Macra, by scrapping or modifying plans for young farmer representation.
At last week's meeting in Mallow, Co Cork, to discuss the IFA restructure proposals, the young farmers section met total opposition.
IFA members around the country have been asked to accept all the proposals or nothing.
But Munster members also opposed abolition of the Deputy Presidency, and establishment of an executive style role for County Chairmen, along with representing their counties on the National Council, substantially increasing their work load.
At Mallow, IFA President John Dillon was left in no doubt as to the level of opposition to the "Preparing for a New Challenge" proposals.
Nevertheless, IFA may take their reform plan down to the wire, before yielding any ground on their proposals.
The National Council is due to vote on the reform package on February 28, but it is clear that a large section will not support it at present.
Among the other proposed changes are discontinuing or merging some of the committees for different farm enterprises.
It is proposed to replace the one branch, one vote principle in elections of national officers, with up to four votes for larger branches. Controversially, it is proposed that women nominated as branch delegates to County Executives carry double the voting strength of male colleagues.
The Deputy Presidency would be replaced by each of the four regional vice-presidents taking on additional responsibilities for one year of their four year term of office.
At branch level, where affiliated membership falls below 16, it is proposed that the branch cease to exist and, unless recruitment is successful, merge with an adjoining branch. All branch officer terms would be restricted to four years, and branch chairpersons would be ineligible to hold further branch offices for at least two years. It is proposed that County Executive meetings be on alternate months, replacing the current monthly meetings.
Opposing the young farmers section proposal, Donegal IFA members warned it would threaten the existence of Macra, which they said is the official voice of young farmers.
