THE country’s largest farming organisation has this week launched an appeal for ‘young blood’ to get involved in decision making processes impacting on agriculture over the coming years and decades.

IFA’s ‘Ready to Lead 2025’ national programme is due to run over six days, starting from early next year, with younger members of the association asked to get involved.

The diverse programme will include such areas as leadership, communications, policy, IFA’s involvement with the likes of Bord Bia, ICBF and Ornua; politics and lobbying, as well as a two-day look at the importance of the EU to Irish farming.

Galway-Mayo IFA Regional Executive, Roy O’Brien, told the Farming Tribune that like every organisation, the IFA needed young people to get involved, who over the coming years, would be the new leaders and policy drivers within the association.

“This training progamme has now been expanded to six days with selection based on an interview process. We would encourage any younger member of the IFA, if they are interested, to apply online, for possible inclusion in this national programme,” said Roy O’Brien.

IFA President Francie Gorman said that the enduring strength of any organisation depended on its ability to introduce new blood into the decision-making process.

“Speaking from experience, I can say it is very rewarding to get involved outside the farmgate. The ethos of IFA for the last seven decades has been farmers representing their fellow farmers.

“We are hoping that this initiative will entice new farmers to take on leadership roles. I want to acknowledge the support of FBD Trust and IFA Farm Business Skillnet in making this happen,” said Francis Gorman.

He added that this programme would be for young farmers with an interest in agri policy who would give a commitment to serving on one of the National Committees of IFA for at least a two-year period.

Chair of FBD Trust Michael Berkery said that the importance of an independent, strong and effective national organisation for farmers was vital in addressing the challenges facing the next generation of farm families.

“This programme is targeted at dynamic and progressive potential leaders and is an investment in both their future and future of the farming sector,” he said.

IFA Deputy President, Alice Doyle, who is Chair of the IFA Farm Business Skillnet Committee, said the six-day programme through 2025 would be ‘a wonderful opportunity for young people to shape future policy’.

“IFA is built on communities around the country coming together to form a unified and democratic voice for farmers. We are looking forward to bringing forward enthusiastic candidates who have a passion for farming,” she said.

Pictured: Galway-Mayo IFA Regional Executive, Roy O’Brien