The Irish Family Farm Group (IFFG) has begun contacting farmers around the country to support “an inclusive farm lobby group”.
Previously, the IFFG – led by Donie Shine – held numerous meetings in marts across Ireland when it campaigned for the scrapping of the four-movement rule.
However, various challenges and obstacles stalled the progress of the group, with the Covid-19 outbreak being a significant one of those in 2020, the organisation, formerly known as the Irish Family Farm Rights Group (IFRG), says.
Commenting on the developments, Shine said: “Despite Covid-19, we have been working on a number of projects in the background – which will hopefully bear fruit in the coming weeks and months.
“On foot of this, the group has began contacting farmers to seek their support and backing moving forward.
“As always, the priority of the group is to represent small and medium-sized family farms and to give them a voice which will be clearly heard.
“We are also continuing with the campaign to scrap the four-movement rule, which is a whip used to beat farmers with.
It is important that farmers get the best price available for their produce, particularly given the quality standards which they adhere to in this country.
“Moving forward, we will be asked farmers to pay an annual membership fee of €25 to cover administrative and organisational costs.
Concluding, Shine added: “2021 will be a big year for the IFFG and I believe with the support of farmers right across the country, we will make a real difference.”