Laois man set to take the reins as leader Irish famers

Ballinakill farmer Francie Gorman is set to take over as next President of the Irish Farmers Association in January after a resounding success in the IFA presidential election.

The beef, suckler and sheep farmer officially launched his campaign in Abbeyleix in September with the backing of many including former IFA President John Bryan and IFA County Chairpersons from across the country.

Speaking at the launch with his wife Kate and son Tom at his side, Mr Gorman said his priority is to ensure Ireland does not transfer its food production business to countries that produce food in “a less sustainable fashion than we do just to keep people who are anti-farming in this country happy.”

The message resonated with Irish farmers who backed the former Laois IFA chairman and current chairman of the IFA’s South Leinster branch in their thousands. Mr Gorman won with 16,699 votes, beating Co Limerick dairy farmer Martin Stapleton who got 13,210 votes, to secure the top IFA job.

He won majorities in all the counties of Leinster, Connacht and Ulster. Mr Stapelton had majorities in Munster. 

Among the policy issues highlighted by Mr Gorman in his presidential campaign was the need for increased access to renewables and benefits for farmers, the elimination of bureaucracy and restrictions around forestry, the protection of agricultural reliefs, securing fixed prize contracts for tillage farmers, bringing about an end to further designations of Hill Areas and Land, an increased role for women and young farmers, and maximising milk, beef and lamb prices.

Mr Gorman takes over from Tim Cullinane in January 2024 when the IFA AGM will be held.