The new Taoiseach needs to front up for Irish farming and food production to ensure the focus is on how the sector can develop in a sustainable way, rather than allowing a vocal minority to undermine it, Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) president Tim Cullinan has said.

The Government, Cullinan said, has big decisions to make to secure the future of farming as the office of Taoiseach passes from Fianna Fáil to Fine Gael.

“Farming is the bedrock of the rural economy and our most important indigenous sector. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar needs to front up for the sector and ensure we have the right balance between environmental, economic and social sustainability,” he said.

According to Cullinan, farmers are frustrated with what they see as the 'tail wagging the dog’ in the Government.

Commended

In wishing Leo Varadkar well as he takes up the role of Taoiseach from Micheál Martin, he also commended Micheál Martin's contribution.

“I want to acknowledge the contribution of Micheál Martin, particularly his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” he said.

He also wished Charlie McConalogue well on his reappointment as Minister for Agriculture.

“We held a lengthy engagement with the Minister during the week. We made it clear that we were prepared to engage to agree progressive policies for agriculture. It’s important that the Minister seeks agreement with farmers on the way forward and that he has real ambition for the sector,” he said.

The IFA also met Leo Varadkar recently and set out the key issues for the sector, he said.

“The Government needs to focus on the sustainable development of the agriculture sector to encourage ambitious young people into farming,” he said.

Cullinan concluded by saying the IFA would work with the new Government to ensure the views of farmers are taken on board.