Experience matters when tackling the many challenges that will affect farmers in the coming years, IFA deputy president candidate Thomas Cooney has said.

“As a current national committee chairman who has represented farmers in Brussels and in Government departments in Ireland, I believe that I have the required experience to defend farmers on the big issues of Brexit, CAP reform, commodity prices, trade and the environment.

Representation

“Over the next 12 months CAP beyond 2020 will be decided, the EU will push to finalise a Mercosur deal, Brexit will be brought to a head and the new EU environmental plan will be developed.

"Farmers must ensure they have the strongest representation possible when dealing with all these issues,” he said.

Cooney also said that having negotiated with Commissioner Hogan, met Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and lobbied Government at the highest level, including an Taoiseach, he believes that he is the right person for farmers to have on their side as the next deputy president of IFA.

“I am asking farmers to place their confidence in me and elect me as their next IFA deputy president,” he said.