71st IFA AGM: President Francie Gorman Highlights 2026 Farming Priorities

Addressing the 71st Annual General Meeting of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) at the Irish Farm Centre today, IFA President Francie Gorman said opposition to the Mercosur trade deal, securing an adequate budget for the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and tackling the rising cost of doing business will dominate the organisation’s agenda in 2026.

Gorman warned that farm incomes across all sectors are coming under renewed pressure, despite a generally positive performance in 2025. He highlighted recent sharp cuts in milk prices and growing pressure on beef, sheep, pig and potato sectors, raising serious concerns for the outlook in 2026. He said processors and retailers must share the burden and support farmers during these challenging times. 

He also criticised public commentary on food prices that failed to acknowledge rising production costs, noting that higher input costs have eroded much of the gains farmers have seen in recent years.

Strong Opposition to Mercosur and Food Safety Concerns

Reiterating IFA’s long-standing opposition to the Mercosur trade deal, Gorman said the association has resisted the agreement for more than 20 years due to the failure of Brazilian producers to meet EU standards. 

Francie Gorman, President of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA):

"The recent recall of Brazilian beef in this country shows that food safety is under threat if this deal is allowed to go through. EU authorities have yet to provide a credible explanation for the recall."

Gorman stated that Brazilian beef poses a risk to public health and accused the European Commission of turning a blind eye to substandard imports. While stressing that the IFA is not anti-EU, he said the organisation is firmly opposed to trade deals that undermine the Common Market and disadvantage Irish and European farmers. 

He welcomed the Irish Government’s decision to vote against the deal and called on Ministers to intensify efforts to build opposition among other EU member states ahead of the European Parliament vote. He also appealed directly to Irish MEPs to honour their pre-election commitments and reject the agreement.

CAP Budget, Costs, and Future of Farming

Turning to the future of CAP, Gorman said proposed cuts to the CAP budget under the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) would deal a severe blow to farm families and food security across Europe.

Francie Gorman:

"There is no greater security than food security."

Warning that reducing CAP funding would undermine confidence, discourage young people from entering farming, and threaten rural livelihoods.

He stressed that CAP funding must be directed towards farmers who are sustainably managing the land, producing food, tending livestock and harvesting crops, regardless of age or background. He also called for the removal of the “cost incurred, income foregone” restriction, describing it as a major barrier preventing farmers from benefiting from key schemes. 

Gorman raised serious concerns about rising costs, particularly carbon tax and fuel excise, describing fuel as an essential input with no viable alternatives for farmers. He also called for updated market valuations for farmers affected by TB, saying existing compensation ceilings are outdated and undermine confidence in control measures.

The IFA President concluded by thanking outgoing officers for their service, welcoming newly elected representatives, and reaffirming the association’s commitment to strong grassroots representation. He said the fight to protect farmers’ interests on Mercosur, CAP, and costs will continue at national and EU level. 

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon addressed the AGM later in the afternoon, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin attended the evening session.