IFA forestry committee

Vincent Nally has been elected chair of the IFA forestry committee. He succeeds Pat Collins, who stepped down last month. Nally, who farms in Ballynacargy and represents Westmeath IFA on the forestry committee, said he was looking forward to leading the committee on the many issues facing forestry.

ANC appeals

The IFA has welcomed the establishment of an independent ANC appeals process under the chairmanship of Padraig Gibbons. IFA rural development chair Joe Brady said: “All areas that were taken out and all townlands that should have come in to the scheme must get a fair hearing under the appeals process.”

National Reserve

IFA deputy president Richard Kennedy said the IFA is supportive of having a National Reserve for young farmers and new entrants in 2019. Kennedy said the Department informed the IFA that there is funding in place for a new national reserve in 2019 and they will be recommending to the minister to have a reserve for young farmers.