Published: Monday, 8th February, 2010 10:00am

IFA president at Cavan AGM

The IFA president John Bryan.

The IFA president John Bryan will attend the Cavan IFA AGM and County Executive in The Lavey Inn today Monday, February 8 at 8.30pm. He will address issues of concern for farm families in the county. John Waters, Ulster North Leinster regional vice-president will also be there.

Mr. Bryan says that his among his priorities as president will be ensuring viable prices for farmers. "Farm incomes are unsustainable and product prices must rise, he said. Bureaucracy and costs have to be reduced, the new REPS scheme has to pay farmers properly and our Single Farm Payment has to be fully protected.

"I take office after a horrendous year, when incomes suffered their worst decline since Ireland entered the EU.

"The banking crisis is affecting the ability of farm businesses and all enterprises to generate economic activity and preserve jobs.

"Farming and the agri-food sector have been hammered in this recession. The depreciation of sterling against the euro and the totally unjust treatment of primary producers by retailers have added greatly to our difficulties.

"Over-regulation, and the government's failure to go far enough in driving down costs and restoring national competitiveness, have compounded the problems faced by Irish farmers and agri-business.

"Poor summer weather, flooding and now severe frost and snow, have made the challenges of farming even more difficult.

"However, it's the start of a new year, and the beginning of a new period for IFA and Irish farmers.

"As president, I promise to work tirelessly and resolve to tackle the all challenges for farm families," Mr. Bryan concluded.