A county Laois farmer, Francie Gorman is the new President of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) taking up office in January, 2024.
The Ballinakill farmer, who runs a 130 acre dry stock family farm, is the first Laois man to be elected to the role since the late Pádraig Walshe. By the looks of it, his son Tom may be waiting in the wings to take up an important role beside his dad.
Francie Gorman the new IFA President
He said it was an honour and a privilege to be elected to lead farmers and he pledged to meet the significant challenges ahead. Speaking after the result, he said: “No farmer will be taken for granted under my presidency. I want to unify farmers so that the collective voice can have an impact on decisions, whether they are made here or in Brussels. The debate on climate action has portrayed farming in a negative light and we have to change that.” His campaign win comes at a difficult time for the farming sector, already under pressure to reduce its Greenhouse Gas emission by 25%.
Deputy President role goes to a woman
Originally from Spink, County Laois Francie Gorman previously served as South Leinster and Laois IFA chairman. He takes over as IFA President from Tim Cullinan on the 9th January. A tillage farmer from Wexford, Alice Doyle will take up the role as first female Deputy President. It’s the first time in the history of IFA that a woman has been elected to the role of Deputy President.
The Future of Farming
Gorman promise to deliver for farmers by focusing on increasing farm income and “securing a future for the next generation of farmers”. In his presidential campaign he emphasised the need for the media to paint farmers in a better light.
