ICSA president Sean McNamara has welcomed the appointment of Martin Heydon as Minister for Agriculture. "I look forward to engaging with the new Minister on the very pressing issues currently facing Irish agriculture, however, the scale of the challenges ahead cannot be underestimated," he said.

 "One of the most urgent issues is pushing back against bad EU policies and trade deals that threaten Irish farmers' ability to compete and make a viable living. The Mercosur trade deal, in particular, has to be stopped - it is a disaster for Irish farmers. Minister Heydon needs to take a strong stand in Europe and make it clear that decisions putting food security and rural livelihoods at risk are unacceptable. It is imperative that the voices of Irish farmers are not only heard but acted upon to ensure they can continue producing high-quality food for both domestic and international markets."

 He said the Minister must stand firm against all policies that have a detrimental effect on our farmers, particularly those in the low-income beef, sheep, suckler, and tillage sectors. "Protecting live exports is a key area where the Minister needs to step up and fight for Irish frontline food producers. Retaining the nitrates derogation is another critical issue, alongside the urgent need to begin negotiations on the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)."

 On CAP Mr McNamara said, "CAP must return to its roots, focusing on supporting farmers to produce food sustainably. The overall budget needs to be increased, and separate funding must be found at both national and EU levels to address climate action, rather than diverting resources from food production. Farmers need certainty, adequate supports, and a clear commitment to their role as food producers in order to plan for the future."

 "We also want to see additional supports through the National Beef and Sheep Welfare Schemes front-loaded at the beginning of this government term. Farmers can't afford to wait until year four or five of a government's time in office for promised help. €350 per suckler cow has been talked about and we want it delivered sooner rather than later to keep farmers in business, not exiting the sector in their droves. The Minister must also ensure that the funds allocated to the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme are used to support farmers who rear dairy bred calves rather than those who breed them."

 "We also want to see the Agri-Food Regulator finally getting the powers they need. ICSA was at the forefront of securing this office and we want to see it deliver. Farmers deserve to know who is making what along the food chain and the days of smoke and mirrors around excess profiteering at the expense of primary producers must end."

 On generational renewal, Mr McNamara said encouraging young people to get into farming is essential for the future, but we also need to help older farmers who want to step back from the industry. "The new Commission on Generational Renewal must deliver real results on both fronts, and Minister Heydon must see that it does."

 On TB Mr McNamara said, "Minister Heydon must ensure that the TB Forum focuses on tackling the sources of TB and not just on placing more restrictions on farmers or attempting to interfere with how they conduct their businesses. The Wildlife Programme must be properly funded and resourced if TB numbers are to come down."

 "The road ahead won't be easy, but we must make sure farming remains a vital part of our economy and society and we look forward to working with Minister Heydon and his team to tackle all the challenges facing Irish agriculture."