John Coughlan launched his campaign for the IFA presidency in front of over 400 people who had gathered at his family’s farm at Ballyellis, Buttevant, Co Cork, on Saturday night.
The Munster IFA chair claimed that the Government and legislators have lost sight of the plight of farmers in their quest to promote Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025.
He said: "As farmers, we have no protection from retailers or processors; no protection from big business; no protection from the competition authority." He vowed to change this.
Family farms
The dairy, beef, tillage and former sheep farmer said: "We launched my campaign at home in my farmyard because I want members to know that I am serious when I say that IFA is about family farms."
John Coughlan launched his IFA presidential campaign on his family farm at Ballyellis, Buttevant, Co Cork.
Speaking afterwards, Coughlan said: "The family farm is under threat because the two streams of income for farmers are the European market and subsidies. Neither of these are functioning for farmers right now.
"The cheap food policy and the competition laws are the issues here and changing these policies will be my top priority as IFA president."
"Without farm families, there is no food and I am determined that farm families will be first to get a fair share of the price consumers pay."
Backing
Coughlan shared the stage with two former IFA presidents, Donie Cashman, the only Cork man to have held the position, and Kilkenny man John Bryan.
Both gave ringing endorsements to the north Cork candidate.
North Cork county chair Ann Baker and CEO of Cork Marts Sean O'Sullivan also endorsed Coughlan.
His ability as a tough negotiator was referred to by all
As well as the need for strong and effective leadership given the current challenges agriculture faces, Coughlan's skills were highlighted.
His ability as a tough negotiator was referred to by all, with his skills coming to prominence initially during the beef blockades of 2000 during his early IFA days.
The Cork marts CEO referenced Michael Coughlan, John's late father, and all the years he had spent serving IFA members by saying: "John Coughlan has IFA in his DNA."
He added that John's first-hand experience to understand the difficulties of members as a commercial farmer with experience in dairy, beef, sheep and tillage would be a serious asset to the organisation.
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John Coughlan launched his campaign for the IFA presidency in front of over 400 people who had gathered at his family’s farm at Ballyellis, Buttevant, Co Cork, on Saturday night.
The Munster IFA chair claimed that the Government and legislators have lost sight of the plight of farmers in their quest to promote Harvest 2020 and Food Wise 2025.
He said: "As farmers, we have no protection from retailers or processors; no protection from big business; no protection from the competition authority." He vowed to change this.
Family farms
The dairy, beef, tillage and former sheep farmer said: "We launched my campaign at home in my farmyard because I want members to know that I am serious when I say that IFA is about family farms."
John Coughlan launched his IFA presidential campaign on his family farm at Ballyellis, Buttevant, Co Cork.
Speaking afterwards, Coughlan said: "The family farm is under threat because the two streams of income for farmers are the European market and subsidies. Neither of these are functioning for farmers right now.
"The cheap food policy and the competition laws are the issues here and changing these policies will be my top priority as IFA president."
"Without farm families, there is no food and I am determined that farm families will be first to get a fair share of the price consumers pay."
Backing
Coughlan shared the stage with two former IFA presidents, Donie Cashman, the only Cork man to have held the position, and Kilkenny man John Bryan.
Both gave ringing endorsements to the north Cork candidate.
North Cork county chair Ann Baker and CEO of Cork Marts Sean O'Sullivan also endorsed Coughlan.
His ability as a tough negotiator was referred to by all
As well as the need for strong and effective leadership given the current challenges agriculture faces, Coughlan's skills were highlighted.
His ability as a tough negotiator was referred to by all, with his skills coming to prominence initially during the beef blockades of 2000 during his early IFA days.
The Cork marts CEO referenced Michael Coughlan, John's late father, and all the years he had spent serving IFA members by saying: "John Coughlan has IFA in his DNA."
He added that John's first-hand experience to understand the difficulties of members as a commercial farmer with experience in dairy, beef, sheep and tillage would be a serious asset to the organisation.
Read more
Rushe to fight for farm families as IFA deputy president
The Big Dealer: Brady seeks home support as IFA election season starts
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