Key IFA campaigns and events in 2015

The year began with an event at the Convention Centre to mark the IFA's 60th anniversary.

30 December 2015

In January, the IFA celebrated its 60th anniversary with an event at the Convention Centre, Dublin. The event was addressed by European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan (pictured), Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney and it heard from a number of former presidents of the association.

On 1 April 2015, dairy quotas came to an end. The IFA dairy committee marked the occasion on the farm of Edmond, Anne and Thomas Dwan in Thurles, Co Tipperary. Seán O’Leary (centre) is pictured with Thomas and Edmond Dwan.

A new Charter of Farmers’ Rights was agreed in 2015. At a protest outside the Department of Agriculture’s offices in April, the IFA accused the minister of foot-dragging on finalising the charter and called on him to take a hands-on approach to resolve inspection issues. The charter, agreed in June, sets out improved payment targets and a fairer inspections regime.

Ensuring a workable BDGP was a key concern for the IFA. Through lobbying, changes were made to the scheme following its initial introduction. In May, the IFA held a lobby day to ensure TDs and senators were well briefed on farmers’ concerns. From left: Pat Murray, Wexford chair; Paul Keogh, TD, Government chief whip; and Kevin Kinsella, IFA director of livestock.

The IFA’s Save Lives campaign continues to raise awareness of the importance of farm safety. IFA national farm family chair Maura Canning is pictured completing the IFA safety checklist with her family on IFA national farm safety on 21 July.

In August, when farmers across a range of enterprises were under severe pressure as political interference in markets, severe price volatility and unregulated retailers combined to decimate farm incomes, the IFA held a protest outside the European Commission’s offices in Dublin. The IFA also participated in a COPA protest in Brussels, which helped to secure €500m in EU aid.

Budget 2016 made significant progress on farm taxation, including the introduction of measures on farm succession, and an income tax credit of €550 for farmers and the self-employed. Pictured at an IFA pre-budget lobby day are Tom Short, Wicklow chair; Andrew Doyle, TD, chair of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee; and Pat Dunne, IFA hill committee chair.

Key IFA campaigns and events in 2015

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