Obviously at the start, I had better declare my interest as IFA county chair in Cork Central and hence also a member of the executive council. I was therefore more than a spectator last autumn with the long meetings at the Irish Farm Centre. There are certain things I cannot comment on due to legal constraints. I stopped writing my Farmer Writes blog at the time, so as not to compromise either myself or the Irish Farmers Journal while involved in elections.

Money was the big news story at the time and, yes, I was shocked too. I am the same as any farmer struggling with current commodity prices. Some of the abuse I received at the time was banter and poking for information. Some of it hurt deeply, and still hurts.

I can understand that it costs a substantial sum of money to run an organisation. I am involved in other local voluntary community groups and there are big overheads, insurance and wages. The funding has to come from raffles, sponsorship, events, gate fees, etc.

When it comes to funding a members’ organisation such as a farm lobby group, it is vital not to be compromised by accepting funds that could have any strings attached. There will be joint campaigns with other bodies to promote farm safety, for instance. There will be the spot prizes for a raffle at a dinner dance.

Core funding

Core funding though has to be directly controlled by the members. I have seen how different groups including farm bodies across Europe have business funding that compromises their ability to lobby on certain issues. I will always check people’s backgrounds to find connections and weaknesses before a negotiation. I’m sure they do the same about me. My strengths have been that I am a farmer and therefore speak as someone directly affected. Secondly, I have been speaking as an elected member of a large group of farmers. Thirdly, that group involves farmers from a wide range of scale and enterprise. Fourthly, the organisation is well-funded and employs the best qualified and motivated people to support the members and their elected officers.

As soon as any of these strengths are weakened, the whole is weakened. I know it is an Irish thing to knock anyone successful, along with delight whenever they slip up.

With modern communications, it is very easy and cheap to make statements while never having to deal with the consequences to others. It is also much easier for short-term personal gain to cause long-term damage to the industry.

Anyone who wants to see a long-term future for agriculture in Ireland needs to keep all sectors and levels in business.

With farm incomes under so much pressure, I think it is now time for everyone to step up and declare their real interest.

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