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Nominations for the position of IFA president and deputy president will close on 2 October.
Each candidate needs to have the backing of their own county executive plus five other counties. Mayo’s Padraic Joyce has pulled out of the deputy president race leaving Brian Rushe the only candidate in the running.
On Monday night, Cork dairy and beef farmer John Coughlan announced his intention to run for IFA president.
He said two of his main priorities would be the restoration of farm incomes and ensuring farmers do not carry the burden or costs of climate change measures. He said he would lead the “IFA to become the most credible farmer organisation in Europe”.
Wicklow livestock and tillage farmer Angus Woods officially launched his campaign on Tuesday night in the Bel-Air Hotel in the county.
His aim is to unite farmers, deliver proper functioning markets and fair prices for all farmers, and defend farmers on Brexit, CAP, Mercosur and climate change. He said the appearance of lots of splinter groups is weakening farmers’ voice and that unity is needed.
Cavan suckler and beef farmer Joe Brady announced at Virginia Show last month that he is to run for president.
The current IFA rural development chair said, if elected, his immediate priority would be to have a “united and focused” membership.
Brady said his focus would be on ensuring all those actively involved in any farming were fully supported and defended by the IFA.
Tipperary pig farmer Tim Cullinan has said that if elected he will fight and defend farmers.
“It’s time that farmers fight back. They’re being walked on by all sectors – the factories, the Department and the minister. I am the man who will stand up for farmers.
“I will make decisions. It is high time that us in the IFA stand fearlessly on the farmer’s side.”
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