Vincent Roddy a native of Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon who now farms near Tubbercurry, Co Sligo is the new Chair of the Irish Natura & hill Farmers Association. This follows their AGM held in Claremorris on Wednesday 28th October. Also elected were Michael McDonnell (Secretary) and Sean Moran (Treasurer) both from Mayo while John King from Connemara was elected National Press Secretary.
Since his election Mr Roddy has appointed Henry O Donnell (Donegal) and Enda Tannian (Galway) as the two vice Chairs for the association, while the four Committee Chair positions were filled by Colm O Donnell (Sligo) on CAP, Brendan Joyce (Connemara) Livestock, Seanie Boyle (Donegal) Natura-Desigantions, and Majella Gallagher (Mayo) Rural Affairs.
Mr Roddy thanked the interim committee and in particular the Chair Brendan O’Malley for the progress made over the eight months which he stated “now gives us the foundations to make the association the main representative body for farmers on hill and designated land”
Mr Roddy added that “while progress has being made on GLAS and land eligibility they remain two major issues for our farmers” Of particular concern Mr Roddy added “is the departments interpretation of the land eligibility guidelines which is an issue we have addressed with them and will also be a priority when we meet EU Commission officials in Brussels in November”
