“Our central role is to represent farmers and negotiate on their behalf.” This was the key message from IFA president Joe Healy at a superbly organised 50-year commemorative lunch in the Industries Hall at the RDS last Tuesday.

The event marked the 50th anniversary of the historic march to Dublin that was led by the second president of the IFA, Rickard Deasy. The march started in Bantry and had gathered momentum as it came up the country.

All living past presidents of the association were there on Tuesday and the family of the first president, Juan Greene, was also present.

In his address, Joe Healy pointed to this year’s budget as an indication of what could be achieved by farmers presenting a logical case to deal with their particular circumstances. There is no doubt that Irish and European farming needs a strong, unified voice to represent their needs. We can even see that need in relation to domestic taxation policy and Brussels-based support schemes.

Listen to an interview with Joe Healy at the 1966 commemoration in our podcast below:

Listen to "Joe Healy on next year's ANC review" on Spreaker.

Farmers do not try to subvert the role of civil servants or politicians but rather bring to bear on the discussions and negotiations their own needs and on-the-ground experiences. Such inputs are critical to informing the democratic process and to achieve legislative and regulatory results that are beneficial to the sector. As the IFA enters a new phase in its development after a difficult period, we wish it success based on the visible needs of farmers and the demonstrated capacity of the organisation to deliver.

Adrian Leddy, IFA regional development officer, speaks to Patrick Donohoe about his father’s role in the legendary farmers’ march to Dublin in 1966 in our podcast below:

Listen to “Adrian Leddy on the 1966 farmers march” on Spreaker.