The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) is set to hold its national annual general meeting (AGM) at the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown, on Thursday, 11th September.
Speaking of this outgoing president and Roscommon native, Vincent Roddy outlined how the AGM will see the official ratification of Pheilim Molloy as the association’s new president, in addition to the election of a national secretary and treasurer.
“Molloy, who is from Donegal, will also get to nominate his vice-presidents for the coming two-year term of his presidency”, added Roddy.
The AGM, which is co-sponsored by the Kepak Group and Atlantic Energy Consultants. The INHFA AGM will also be attended by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, who will address the meeting and take questions from the delegates present on the day.
Speaking on the event, outgoing President Vincent Roddy expressed his delight with the support provided by both sponsors, stating that “Atlantic Energy Consultants has become a major force in farming for solar panel installation through the provision of a one-stop shop for grant aid.” The Kepak Group are, he continued “a significant meat processor across the country and beyond with a major operation in Roscommon, which INHFA members provide lambs to through the Atlantic Hill Lamb Group in a partnership that has delivered increased returns for the hill lamb sector.”
Roddy also outlined details of a panel discussion at this year’s AGM. Panel members confirmed for this includeDr Stan Lawlor Director of Knowledge Transfer(Teagasc), Brendan Dunford (a founder of Farming for Nature and former manager of the Burren Life Programme), Mick O’Dowd (Kepak Group), and an INHFA representative.
This, he added, is “a new departure for the AGM and will provide informed analysis on the role of farming in sustaining rural communities while also giving delegates an opportunity to engage with panel members through a question and answer format. The theme for the discussion is how sustainable farming can protect and improve our rural communities.”
In conclusion, Roddy expressed his gratitude to all the officers and members for their ongoing support over the last four years. He expressed his best wishes to the incoming president, stating “how Pheilim has excelled in several roles over the last number of years and will no doubt excel as national president.”