The role of sustainable farming in protecting rural communities is the theme of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association’s (INHFA) AGM which takes place in Strokestown, Co Roscommon next Thursday 11 September.

The AGM will see the ratification of Donegal native Phelim Molloy as the next INHFA president.

The meeting will be addressed by the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, who will take questions from members.

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Molloy, who takes over from Vincent Roddy as president, will also nominate his two vice-presidents for his two-year term.

In a departure from the traditional structure of their AGMs, the INHFA will this year hold a discussion on the role of farming in sustaining rural communities.

The panel members for the discussion will include Stan Lalor of Teagasc; Brendan Dunford, a founder of Farming for Nature and former manager of the Burren Life Programme; and Mick O’Dowd of Kepak. INHFA will also be represented on the panel.

“This is a new departure for the AGM and will provide informed analysis on the role of farming in sustaining rural communities, while also giving delegates present an opportunity to engage with panel members through a question-and-answer format,” said Roddy.