Newly elected Macra na Feirme president James Healy has said that increasing membership and participation within the organisation is his key ambition for his two-year term.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal after the election count on Thursday, Healy said: “If you have a membership that are more active and participating in more of our opportunities, then it means across the board the organisation is improving.”

He also pointed out that Macra is a wide-ranging organisation which encompasses more than just young farmers.

“We do need to remember that at our heart and at our core, agriculture is the thing that binds most members together,” the Cork man added.

The count took place in the Irish Farm Centre in Dublin with Healy seeing off his opponent Odile Evans on a result of 91 votes to 60.

He will be inaugurated as president at the Macra na Feirme national AGM on 6 May in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim.

Messages

Outgoing president Seán Finan congratulated Healy, the newly elected vice-presidents and all candidates that stood in the election.

“This was a great election, highlighting the best of Macra in terms of leadership, debate and enthusiasm,” he said.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed also passed on his congratulations and thanked Finan for his contribution in representing young farmers over the past two years.

“Macra is an important organisation in rural Ireland, playing an active role both socially and educationally for young people,” he said.

Listen to the full interview with James Healy below:

Listen to “Macra president elect James Healy” on Spreaker.

Read more

Listen: ‘It has been an honour’ – Finan to finish Macra term

Watch: Macra proposes retirement policy for older farmers