Munster IFA chair John Coughlan has announced his intention to run for IFA president.
Coughlan secured the nomination at the north Cork county executive on Monday 9 September.
Speaking to the crowd, he said that farmers were facing a serious income crisis and that the issue of sustainability must start with a sustainable farm income.
He outlined that his priorities would be:
Restoration of farm income by returning prices higher than production costs.Delivering CAP reform that secures a viable income for family farms.Ensuring farmers do not carry the burden or costs of climate change measures.Health and welfare of the farm family will be central.“Irish farming has always delivered for the Irish Exchequer. It was the shining beacon during the recent recession,” Coughlan stated.
Munster regional IFA chair John Coughlan.
“I know this income crisis will not be resolved immediately, because it is a combination of a cheap food policy in Europe, a lack of transparency in processor pricing, a diminishing CAP payment and profit-taking by every other link in the food and business chain – EXCEPT the farmer. This must finally change; it will be my mission as president to ensure that it does.”
Brussels
He referenced his time working in Brussels with the IFA and said that he had a track record of delivering results.
“I reduced anti-dumping duties on CAN fertiliser by 30%, which is worth over €20m/year to Irish farmers.
"To do this, I gathered the support of the European farm organisations and EU governments.
“The EU is our most important market; that is where our major battles will be in the future.”
Coughlan also said that the environmental challenges facing the population would be costly and could not be borne solely by the farm community.
He called on the Government to deliver financially viable option for farmers in the fight against climate change.
He concluded by saying he would lead the “IFA to become the most credible farmer organisation in Europe”.
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Munster IFA chair John Coughlan has announced his intention to run for IFA president.
Coughlan secured the nomination at the north Cork county executive on Monday 9 September.
Speaking to the crowd, he said that farmers were facing a serious income crisis and that the issue of sustainability must start with a sustainable farm income.
He outlined that his priorities would be:
Restoration of farm income by returning prices higher than production costs.Delivering CAP reform that secures a viable income for family farms.Ensuring farmers do not carry the burden or costs of climate change measures.Health and welfare of the farm family will be central.“Irish farming has always delivered for the Irish Exchequer. It was the shining beacon during the recent recession,” Coughlan stated.
Munster regional IFA chair John Coughlan.
“I know this income crisis will not be resolved immediately, because it is a combination of a cheap food policy in Europe, a lack of transparency in processor pricing, a diminishing CAP payment and profit-taking by every other link in the food and business chain – EXCEPT the farmer. This must finally change; it will be my mission as president to ensure that it does.”
Brussels
He referenced his time working in Brussels with the IFA and said that he had a track record of delivering results.
“I reduced anti-dumping duties on CAN fertiliser by 30%, which is worth over €20m/year to Irish farmers.
"To do this, I gathered the support of the European farm organisations and EU governments.
“The EU is our most important market; that is where our major battles will be in the future.”
Coughlan also said that the environmental challenges facing the population would be costly and could not be borne solely by the farm community.
He called on the Government to deliver financially viable option for farmers in the fight against climate change.
He concluded by saying he would lead the “IFA to become the most credible farmer organisation in Europe”.
Read more
Cullinan launches IFA presidential campaign
Strong environmental scheme a necessity in next CAP – IFA
SHARING OPTIONS