The IFA leadership has clearly mulled over what new direction is needed to better serve farmers. This can be seen in the job descriptions for three roles now advertised.

Creation of new policy and strategy is ramped up to top priority. In another change, the new executive secretaries for livestock and dairy no longer need to operate out of Dublin and can be based out on the ground in one of IFA’s regional offices.

The new emphasis on policy is no accident – local IFA meetings in recent years have heard members call out for new ideas, led by struggling livestock farmers. All sectors face challenges.

So, a new position is being created: director of policy and chief economist, described as a senior role reporting to director general Damian McDonald. The person will work in partnership with national council and commodity committees, such as livestock, dairy, grain, hill, pigs, etc, to develop new policies and strategies.

Commodity and county chairs will have direct access to the person who has the clout to set new policy and strategy.

That person will also be negotiating with Government, European institutions and the national agencies that impact farmers, working closely with the IFA’s Brussels office.

The above change will free up the new livestock and dairy executives to interact more closely with livestock and dairy farmers on the ground. They will report to the director of policy and chief economist, to ensure information flows quickly in both directions.