IFA elects new chair of poultry committee

Brendan Soden from Co Cavan has been named the newly elected IFA poultry chair and will officially assume the role at the IFA's AGM next week.

Brendan Soden said: 'While there are many challenges facing our sector, poultry farmers, though small in number, play a vital role in producing poultry meat and eggs, which are key components of consumers’ diets.'

Cavan native, Brendan Soden, has been elected as the new poultry chair for the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).

Mr Soden is a layer farmer and pullet producer from Stradone, Co Cavan, and will formally take up the position at the 71st IFA AGM next week. Mr Soden previously served as vice chair.

He succeeds Nigel Sweetnam, who has completed a four-year term as chair. The committee acknowledged Mr Sweetnam’s significant contribution and leadership during his tenure, particularly his work in representing poultry farmers through a period of considerable challenge and change for the sector.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr Soden said: “I am delighted to have been elected chair of the IFA National Poultry Committee, and I look forward to working closely with farmers and sector stakeholders in the years ahead. 

"While there are many challenges facing our sector, poultry farmers, though small in number, play a vital role in producing poultry meat and eggs, which are key components of consumers’ diets. 

“Our standards are world class, and I look forward to representing our farmers both at home and in Brussels to ensure the concerns of Irish poultry producers are heard.”