Farmers from IFA’s 29 regions have gathered in Glasson, Co Westmeath to participate in the Association’s 2019 Future Leaders programme.
The 30 participants will spend three days on an intensive course that covers leadership, personal development, communications, farm business strategy, national & European policy and health and wellness.
The delegates were identified through the local IFA branch structure as members who were interested in developing their farm business and actively participating as an officer in the Association.
IFA President Joe Healy said, “With so many issues on the horizon, it’s never been more important that farmers have strong leadership to defend our sector. This programme is an important and rewarding investment of time for us. Through it we encourage young farmers to take a leadership role in the IFA, while also upskilling them to assist in the running of their own farm”.
Nigel Reneghan, Farm Business Skillnet Chairman said, “This is an interactive programme focusing on agri-policy, business plan development, time management, dealing with stress and work/life balance. One of its aims is to ensure that the farmer delegates can plan for the viability of their own business into the future”.
The future leaders programme, delivered by Farm Business Skillnet, has been in place since 2013. Past delegates include members of IFA’s current National Council, IFA Commodity Representatives and County Officers.
IFA hopes that the 2019 delegates are equally inspired to go on to represent their industry in the future.
