As the new year begins, we can look back on significant progress and achievements that had an impact on all sectors during 2017.

In Budget 2018 we secured a number of crucial outcomes including a €25m increase in ANCs; €25m to support the development of a Brexit response low-cost loan scheme; and an increase of €200 in the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The increased 70% BPS advance paid in October was worth an additional €200m in cashflow for the 111,000 farmers paid in the first week.

Following a sustained campaign, we secured a tillage aid scheme for crop losses, providing compensation of up to €10,500 per farmer.

The opening of new markets for live exports, including Turkey, delivered important competition in the market.

Our work on live exports also resulted in a reduction in the Department charges of €1,100 per load of calves, helping to push exports up 40% in 2017.

A high-level campaign in Europe succeeded in retaining the authorisation of glyphosate.

We secured a commitment from Minister Jim Daly to introduce a three-year cap on farm business assets under the Fair Deal scheme.

We secured changes to the Budget increase in stamp duty to allow the reduced rate of 1% for all family farm transfers.

We halted the introduction of an NCT-type test for tractors.

We established a credit support team and payments unit to help provide direct assistance to hundreds of individual farmers.

These successes, and others throughout the year, could not have been achieved without the commitment and work of IFA members.

Challenges ahead

Brexit and CAP reform are two of the most serious challenges we will face in the year ahead. The outcomes of each will have wide-ranging effects for farmers.

It is crucial for Irish farmers that we retain free trade in agriculture and food between the EU and UK after Brexit. We will be maintaining our efforts to ensure the Irish Government uses the strong relationship and influence it has with EU and UK leaders to influence a constructive approach in the difficult negotiations ahead, following progress in the first phase.

The consultation on the future of CAP got under way during 2017, and the CAP reform process will gear up in the year ahead. An increased budget is essential for CAP to be effective and fit for purpose. This will be a key campaign for IFA, along with a focus on strong direct payments and a reduction in red-tape and bureaucracy.

I want to thank all IFA officers and members for the contribution you have made over the last year. The IFA is your organisation; your involvement is crucial to ensuring our strength in tackling the work programme we have ahead in 2018.

Wishing you a successful and safe year in farming in 2018.