With 10 days to voting day, the battle for the farming vote is heating up. All the major parties have now launched their manifestos for farming.

Tuesday saw Micheál Martin, Eamon Ryan and Leo Varadkar all addressing the IFA AGM in Dublin.

While Leo Varadkar promised to work for a second BEAM scheme, Micheál Martin warned farmers to be careful of Fine Gael pledges made during election campaigns. Both men committed to supporting the IFA’s call for a higher Sheep Welfare Scheme payment of €15/ewe.

Pressure

Martin was put under pressure by farmers over Fianna Fáil’s intention to continue with convergence cuts to higher BPS entitlements.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald turned down the opportunity to attend, but Sinn Féin has released a comprehensive policy package for farming.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan did attend, and put his perspective across to the IFA’s national and county officers.

Varadkar commits to seek new BEAM scheme and is open to new REPS

Macra calls for low cost loans for young farmers

Green Party manifesto: live export ban and bonus for ‘zero-movement’ beef

Fair deal commitments offered

Nitrates and climate top farmer concerns

Battle for the farming vote: what the parties are promising

The IFA AGM coinciding with the general election campaign meant that Tuesday saw one party leader follow the other at the IFA AGM.