Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Agriculture
Period
1 Jan, 2025 to 30 Apr, 2025
Specific Details
Ready to Lead Programme
Intended results
To announce the selection of 30 participants for IFA's national 'Ready to Lead 2025' programme.
This initiative aims to develop the next generation of leaders within the farming community, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to effectively navigate and influence policy for the agricultural sector.
The programme received a very strong level of high-calibre applications from across the country, reflecting the interest and ambition among young farmers to take on leadership roles. The selection process was highly competitive, with candidates demonstrating a deep passion for farming, leadership potential, and a commitment to representing their fellow farmers at local, national, and European levels.
The continued strength of any organisation depends on its ability to introduce new voices into decision-making. The sheer number of applications and the exceptional quality of candidates made the selection process incredibly challenging. However, this is a positive sign for the future of farming leadership and IFA. We are confident those chosen will make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
The six-day programme, spread across three two-day modules throughout 2025, will provide participants with a comprehensive experience, including sessions with leaders in the sector; meetings with political representatives in Dublin; and a guided tour of Brussels and its EU institutions.
This programme is aimed at dynamic emerging leaders — an investment not only in their future, but in the future of Ireland's farming sector.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Francie Gorman IFA President, Damian McDonald IFA Director General, Elaine Farrell IFA Director of Governance & Oireachtas Engagement, Tadhg Buckley IFA Director of Policy & Chief Economist
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Informal communication (2-5)
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Aindrias Moynihan
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Brian Purcell
Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Martin Heydon
Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
Barry Cassidy
Special Adviser (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)
William Aird
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Jim O’Toole
Chief Executive Officer (Bord Bia)
Prof. Frank O’Mara
Director (Teagasc)