Eddie Downey’s COPA vice-president job up for grabs

Former IFA President Eddie Downey remains in place as a vice-president of the COPA grouping for EU farmers’ organisations, with the Brussels-based grouping saying yesterday it awaited official communication from IFA on Mr Downey’s resignation, before assessing how to proceed.

In September, Mr Downey was elected to a two-year term of office as one of six vice-presidents of the European farmers union.

As the organisation recognised by the EU to speak on behalf of the agricultural sector, COPA represents 60 farmer organisations from EU member states, and 36 partner organisations from other European countries.