Irish Farmers' Association

The @EU_Commission may have provisionally put #Mercosur in place, but IFA remains opposed to the deal. Time and again, it has been shown that Brazil does not meet our standards. ifa.ie/farm-sectors/i…

Le 1er mai, on célèbre le travail. Mais pendant ce temps-là, à Bruxelles, Ursula von der Leyen sacrifie celui de nos agriculteurs. MERCOSUR imposé ! Démocratie bafouée ! 
 Nous ne laisserons pas faire. Le combat continue.

IFA Farm Forestry Chair Padraig Stapleton participated in the second Teagasc Reforestation after Storm Damage event today in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Padraig gave an overview of the importance of Weevil and Brash management in reforestation plantations. @teagasc @IFAmedia

IFA President Francie Gorman, along with Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair Teresa Roche and Policy Executive Claire McGlynn met with Minister of State for Older People and Housing Kieran O'Donnell to discuss the Fair Deal Scheme this week.

The 2026 IFA/FBD Ready to Lead Programme kicked off this week, as 26 participants from around the country came to the Irish Farm Centre. Day 1 consisted of getting to grips with the IFA, the structures of the organisation and how it operates at a national and branch level, led by President Francie Gorman. They also met a number of key industry leaders including Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole, ICBF CEO Sean Coughlan, Teagasc Director Frank O’Mara and the Irish Farmers Journal Editor Adam Woods. On day 2, the group attended the UCD Lyons Farm in Kildare, where they were welcomed by Prof Karina Pierce and the team at the Lyons. They were given a great insight into the wide-ranging work carried out at the research and educational farm. The participants also were also joined by the former IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe, who discussed with the group his experience within IFA and the importance of getting involved. Tadhg Buckley, IFA’s Director of Policy/Chief Economist, then gave the group a thorough overview of the work IFA does in defending Irish farmers and shaping agri policy. Stay tuned over the summer as we get to know the participants on the programme. #ReadyToLead @fbd_ie @SkillnetIreland

IFA's Liam MacHale met with Andrew McCallum, Global Manager Meat & Livestock Australia; Amanda Hodges, Trade & Market Access Manager Middle East and North Africa; and Darren Watson, Director Europe, Middle East and Africa; in Brussels this week to discuss the current EU and global beef & sheep trade.

Day 2 Recap of the Ready To Lead Programme 2026 The group visited the UCD Lyons Farm where they were brought through some of the key work done on the farm. Prof Karina Pierce led the tour, and the group was also joined by Ornua CEO Conor Galvin, who gave a presentation on the work they do globally. The day was rounded out by IFA Director of Policy/Chief Economist Tadhg Buckley and former Deputy President Brian Rushe, who provided an overview on the work IFA does around policy and who IFA tries to shape it for Irish farming. #ReadyToLead

A colourful sunset to end a great day.

Farmers are still without clarity on the true cost and the practical implications of the Nature Restoration Regulation. The history on this issue has not been good, so farmers are understandably wary of what's ahead. ifa.ie/farm-sectors/f…

IFA's Liam MacHale continuing his round of engagements in Strasbourg where he met @ciaranmullooly to discuss the next CAP, MFF, the Fertiliser Action Plan, CBAM and the Livestock Strategy.

Day 2 of the IFA/FBD Ready to Lead Programme 2026 is underway on the UCD Lyons Farm where Prof Karina Pierce provided the group with an overview of the work that takes place on the research and educational farm. #ReadyToLead

Now that the details of the Government's fuel package have been announced, it's critical that payments ensue speedily. Action on fertiliser is still needed and must remain a priority. ifa.ie/farm-sectors/g…

IFA's Liam MacHale met @BillyKelleherEU at the @Europarl_EN in Strasbourg this week to discuss the MFF proposal, specifically the CAP budget, and the impact of the ongoing energy crisis on the agriculture sector.

Day 1 of the IFA/FBD Ready to Lead Programme 2026 is in the books, a busy day put down by our participants where they got to grips with the association and met a number of key industry leaders. #ReadyToLead

2 days left !! Don't miss your chance to apply EU s women in farming platform showcasing culture & heritage in agriculture

IFA's Liam MacHale met with Seán Kelly MEP in the European Parliament in Strasbourg today to discuss CAP, MFF, Fertiliser Action Plan including CBAM, the energy crisis and the EU Livestock Strategy.

The first day of the IFA/FBD Ready to Lead Programme 2026 is underway in the Irish Farm Centre, as President Francie Gorman welcomes the participants to IFA HQ. #ReadyToLead