Sean McNamara re-elected as ICSA president

Sean McNamara has been re-elected as president of the ICSA following a close election in Portlaoise last night (December 18).

Mr McNamara secured his position for another term after defeating fellow Westmeath man Dan Lynam in a vote of the association’s national executive.

Speaking after his re-election Mr McNamara said: “I am honoured to have been re-elected as president of the ICSA. I am fully committed to ensuring that the ICSA remain strong and effective voices for suckler, sheep, beef, and tillage farmers. Representing their interests and addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector as a whole will continue to be my top priority."

“We face many significant challenges, including high input costs, low farm incomes, over-regulation, and unfair trade deals. I know that farmers are under immense pressure, and I pledge to continue the ICSA’s long-standing efforts to secure better supports for the low-income sectors we represent.

“It is vital that their voices are heard loud and clear in any decisions affecting their livelihoods.”

Mr McNamara is from Lismacaffrey, where he runs suckler and sheep enterprises, and he will continue in his role for the next two years, having first taken up the position in February of this year.

Outlining his immediate priorities Mr McNamara said: “First and foremost, I will continue to lead the ICSA’s opposition to the Mercosur Trade Deal.

“It directly undermines the future of sustainable farming in Ireland and across Europe by prioritising cheap imports over the high-quality, environmentally responsible produce of our farmers.

“I pledge to do everything in my power to ensure Irish and European farming is not decimated in favour of international trade agreements that fail to recognise the importance of our rural communities and food production standards.

“Similarly, we have to ensure that the Nature Restoration Law and the EU Deforestation Regulation are implemented in a way that acknowledges the vital role farmers play in achieving environmental goals – without placing unsustainable burdens on their livelihoods. The ICSA, under my leadership, will not stand by and watch as farmers are regulated out of business.”