A farmer from Co. Kildare has recently been elected as the vice chairman of the Irish Farmers’ Association’s (IFA’s) National Liquid Milk Committee.

The IFA’s National Liquid Milk Chairman, John Finn, announced the appointment of Larry Hannon to the role today (September 29).

Hannon is the outgoing Fresh Milk Producers (FMP) Chairman, a role which he has held since February 2016. He was elected to his new position by his fellow members of the liquid milk committee.

The new vice chairman farms in Ballytore, Co. Kildare, and supplies his fresh milk year-round to Glanbia Ireland.

Commenting on the appointment, Finn said: “I am delighted to have Larry as my vice chairman; his experience within FMP will stand to the committee, and I look forward to working closely with him.”

Meanwhile, Hannon outlined his deep commitment and willingness to fight on behalf of fellow farmers.

This is particularly important with the current spate of aggressive retail discounting, and our dairies must stand up to retailer pressures, sell hard, and ensure farmers do not suffer consequences from retailers’ unsustainable discounting.

European role for Healy

On Friday, September 22, it was announced that IFA President Joe Healy was elected as vice president of the European farm organisation COPA.

Healy was elected as one of six vice presidents – having topped the poll among seven candidates – to serve with the new COPA President Joachim Rukwied from the German Farmers’ Association, according to the IFA.

Speaking following his election, Healy said that he had sought the position to ensure a strong voice for Irish farmers at European level.

“There are a number of crucial issues for Irish agriculture currently on the agenda, such as Brexit, the Mercosur trade deal and glyphosate licencing.

I aim to work with our European colleagues to see farmers receive a fair share of retail prices.

“There are also medium term issues such as the review of the Common Agricultural Policy and the increasing challenges arising from climate change. These are issues which will impact directly the incomes of Irish farmers,” he concluded.