IFA Ready to Lead Programme
Farmers Need a Strong Voice – Together We Can Shape the Future
Just like every other sector, farmers need a united, powerful union to represent their interests and ensure their voices are heard—both at home and in Europe. We are that voice, and you can be part of the movement shaping the future of farming.
Do you want to?
Understand the Policy Landscape: Get a clear insight into the decision-making processes at both the EU and national levels, as well as key state agencies.
Stay Informed: Increase your knowledge of policy direction, both in Ireland and across Europe, so you’re always one step ahead of upcoming changes.
Influence Change: Learn the skills to actively influence policymakers and understand how policies are formed that directly impact your farm.
Prepare for the Future: Know what’s coming and how policy decisions will affect you at the farm level, so you can make informed decisions.
Build Connections: Network with fellow farmers, share insights, and strengthen your collective power.
Why Your Voice Matters
It is critical that the next generation of farmers step up and play a key role in shaping IFA policy. By joining the IFA, you harness the strength of our collective influence to drive policies that support productive, sustainable agriculture.
What Does the Programme Consist Of?
This six day programme is spread over the 2025 calendar year. This programme will see participants spend time in our political institutions in Dublin and Brussels. You will also have access to key industry stakeholders and see first-hand how the Association works to shape and influence agricultural policy.
Programme Content
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 & 6 |
|
Welcome and introduction by IFA President and Director General IFA Leadership Team IFA Policy & Communications FBD Introduction |
Representing IFA on Boards Industry Speakers – organisations on which IFA has board seats Teagasc Strategy Bord Bia Strategy Ornua Strategy ICBF Strategy |
The Irish Political System Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine Dáil Éireann visit |
Lobbying and Leadership Seminar |
Brussels IFA Office Brussels European Parliament European Commission European Farm Organisations European Economic and Social Committee |
How to Apply
To apply for the IFA Ready to Lead Programme click here or email [email protected]. |
This programme is fully funded by IFA, FBD Trust and Farm Business Skillnet.
About IFA
The IFA is Ireland’s largest farming representative organisation. We have protected and defended the interests of Irish farmers in all sectors for more than 65 years.
We represent Irish farmers at home and in Europe, lobbying and campaigning for improved conditions and incomes for farm families.
We also provide representation, support and advice to members on an individual basis.
IFA is a democratic association, organised in branches, County Executive and National Committees. Through our democratic structure, each member can have their say.
About Farm Business Skillnet
Farm Business Skillnet provides subsidised upskilling solutions to farm businesses and smallholders across the Irish agriculture sector. The Network’s mission is to enhance farm productivity and efficiency through the provision of targeted talent development programmes.
Through these programmes, participants gain the expertise and confidence necessary to adapt and grow their businesses.
Collaborating with industry, the network designs, develops and delivers responsive, bespoke and flexible training courses to meet the ongoing needs.
Farm Business Skillnet is promoted by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). Membership of the network is open to micro and small businesses in the agri sector.
About FBD
FBD is one of Ireland’s largest property and casualty insurers, looking after the insurance needs of farmers, consumers and business owners. Established in the 1960s by farmers for farmers, FBD has built on those roots in agriculture to become a leading general insurer serving the needs of its direct agricultural, small business and consumer customers throughout Ireland. It has a network of 34 branches nationwide. FBD Insurance offers €85 off Farm, Home and Car insurance exclusively for IFA members. FBD Insurance Group Ltd trading as FBD Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
