New FG agriculture forum to focus on solar power’s benefits for farmers

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told the first conference of Fine Gael’s new Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development Forum that he would like to see solar panels on all farm roofs. Picture: Douglas O’Connor

Solar energy microgeneration on farms will be the first piece of work for a new agriculture forum set up by Fine Gael.

Eddie Downey, former IFA president and dairy, poultry, and tillage farmer, was elected chairman of Fine Gael’s national Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development Forum, having run against Pat Deering for the role.