IFA president Tim Cullinan has been elected first vice-president of the representative group of European farmers COPA during the presidency elections in Brussels on Friday.

Cullinan topped the poll of seven candidates in the election, taking up the two-year mandate from former IFA president Joe Healy who previously held the role.

Christiane Lambert, the president of the National Federation of French farmers (FNSEA), was elected president of COPA, taking over from outgoing president Joachim Rukwied, the current president of the German Farmers’ Association (DBV).

Cullinan said: “I look forward to working with Christine Lambert and the other members of the presidency team who were elected today. I want to thank Joe for his contribution to COPA on behalf of [the] IFA.”

Ongoing challenges

At Friday’s meeting, Cullinan highlighted the priority of achieving fair conditions for farmers, referring to the challenges that many have overcome during the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing demands that are put on farm families.

The IFA president's most pressing concerns were around CAP and Brexit. Cullinan said he would continue to make a strong case for the highest level of funding for farmers.

On Brexit, he said he would be seeking support from his colleagues for Irish farmers in the event of a no-deal outcome.