Westmeath man re-elected as ICSA president

Sean McNamara from Westmeath has been re-elected president of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) following a closely contested election in Portlaoise.

Mr McNamara secured his position for another term after defeating fellow county man Dan Lynam in a vote of the association’s National Executive.

“I am honoured to have been re-elected as president of ICSA,” he said.

“I am fully committed to ensuring that ICSA remains a strong and effective voice 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.”

He went on to say the industry is facing “many significant challenges”, including high input costs, low farm incomes, overregulation, and unfair trade deals.

“I know that farmers are under immense pressure, and I pledge to continue ICSA’s long-standing efforts to secure better supports for the low-income sectors we represent,” continued Mr McNamara.

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

Hailing from Lismacaffrey where he runs suckler and sheep enterprises, Mr McNamara 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, he added: “First and foremost, I will continue to lead ICSA’s opposition to the Mercosur Trade Deal. This deal 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 must 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. ICSA, under my leadership, will not stand by and watch as farmers are regulated out of business.”