Taoiseach Simon Harris will be the keynote speaker at the Irish Farmers' Association's (IFA) major farming and food conference at the Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare later this month.

The Taoiseach will deliver the keynote address at the event entitled 'Farming and Food – A Sector Worth Backing'.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue will deliver the closing address at the event on Thursday, October 31.

IFA president Francie Gorman said the event comes at a critical time for farming: “The challenges facing the sector will require concerted action from all stakeholders, specifically the government."

He said the viability of farmers will be at the heart of the discussions. With a general election on the horizon, Francie Gorman said there has to be a greater understanding of the very real pressures that exist for farmers.

“From rising costs to increased regulation and tighter margins due to retailer dominance, we have to find a way that rewards those who are putting in the work and investment," Gorman added.

"If there isn’t a recognition of this, it will be very difficult to convince young people to come into farming,” he said.

Speakers from the sector will address the conference on the main topics that are likely to dominate over the next five years and beyond.

Earlier this month, the IFA said that measures announced as part of Budget 2025 were not enough to tackle the "income crisis in farming".

Francie Gorman did, however, acknowledge that the announcements in the budget would go some way towards addressing the pressures in farming.

“The increase in supports for suckler cows, sheep and dairy beef calves will be some help to farmers in the drystock sector. However, the reality is that these sectors need more support as they drive economic activity in rural Ireland,” he said following the publication of Budget 2025.

The IFA president added: “Our tillage sector has had a torrid two years. The number of acres under crops will be in serious jeopardy in the coming years.

“This payment will help farmers this year, but a medium- and long-term plan is needed to protect and grow our tillage and horticulture sectors,” he said.