IFA president Joe Healy has set out in a submission the top 10 priorities for agriculture to Leo Varadkar following his election as Taoiseach.

He wished him success in the role and said he is looking forward to working closely with Leo Varadkar in the future.

Healy said: “With the right support, our farming and food industry will continue to play a significant role in contributing to the national economy. Viable farm incomes are critical to underpinning the important agri-food industry.”

The IFA president said he has sought a meeting with the Taoiseach at the earliest possible opportunity to have a detailed discussion on Brexit.

“The IFA is very clear that farming and food must be at the top of the Brexit agenda, not only in Ireland but at EU level. We are seeking the Taoiseach’s personal intervention at the highest level in Europe to ensure an outcome that secures the interests of this vital sector.”

The IFA has called on the Taoiseach and his Government to tackle low farm incomes, to underpin the contribution of the farming and agri-food sector to the economy, including the achievement of Food Wise 2025 targets, and to ensure the wellbeing of rural communities.

Healy said that the Taoiseach must place a firm policy focus on achieving the sustainable and profitable growth of family farming and rejuvenating rural Ireland through balanced regional development and the provision of rural services.

Grazing management

IFA rural development committee chair Joe Brady has got confirmation that the topping for the Low Input Permanent Pasture measure for GLAS I and GLAS II farmers is being brought forward to 1 July in line with specification for GLAS III. The IFA had sought this change as it is a more practical way of managing grazing ground and will ensure greater grass output.

Unfair trading practices

IFA president Joe Healy addressed the Agriculture Committee of the European Parliament this week on unfair trading practices. Commissioners Hogan and Vestager gave an update on the Agricultural Markets Task Force. As chair of the COPA Working Party on the Food Chain, Healy pointed out that EU regulation is needed to rebalance the food chain and give farmers a fair margin. He said without these regulations, the taskforce report would not be effective.

IFA app

Keep up to date with the latest IFA news, access expert market reports and commentary, and learn more about IFA campaigns and events with the new IFA app. Download it now for iPhone or Android to make sure you have all the latest updates from the IFA in your pocket. You can swipe through news and information relevant to you and your farm, save or share important articles and more. Get it at www.ifa.ie/app.

Brexit address

The IFA and the Ulster Farmers’ Union both addressed the Institute of International and European Affairs on Brexit this week. In his address, Joe Healy re-iterated the importance of an outcome that maintains the most open trading relationship with the UK and a fully-funded CAP Budget. The IFA president will bring the IFA’s Brexit campaign to the European Parliament next week, at which Irish MEPs will be briefed on the key issues for Irish farmers.