In today’s COPA Presidency elections in Brussels, IFA President Tim Cullinan was elected first Vice President of the representative group of European farmers COPA.
Tim Cullinan topped the poll of seven candidates in today’s election.
He takes up the two-year mandate as first Vice President from previous IFA President Joe Healy who held the role until today.
Christiane Lambert, the President of the National Federation of French farmers (FNSEA) was elected President of COPA, taking over from outgoing President Joachim Rukwied, the current President of German Farmers’ Association (DBV).
At today’s meeting, Tim Cullinan highlight the priority of achieving fair conditions for farmers in order to earn a fair income. He spoke of the challenges that farmers have overcome during the COVID-19 crisis and the increasing targets and demands that are being put on farmers and farm families.
The most pressing concerns were around CAP and Brexit. On CAP, Tim Cullinan said he would continue to make a strong case for the highest level of funding for farmers.
On Brexit, the IFA President said he would be seeking support from his colleagues for Irish farmers in the event of a ‘no deal’ outcome.
“I look forward to working with Christine Lambert and the other members of the Presidency team who were elected today,” he said.
Today also sees the completion of former IFA President Joe Healy’s term as COPA Vice President.
“I want thank Joe his contribution to COPA on behalf of IFA,” he said.
