The IFA has invited speakers from Teagasc, Bord Bia, meat factory representatives, Aurivo Co-operative Marts, and the Department of Agriculture to address the forum.

The farm visit begins at 3pm and participants will have the opportunity to view hill sheep farming production methods as well as sheep breeds and progeny. There will also be a demonstration and exhibition by Great Western Sheepdogs.

Joe Healy said the IFA will be launching an action plan covering all of the key policy issues that affect hill farming. “At the forum meeting, which will take place in Nevins, Newfield, Tiernaur, Newport, commencing at 5pm, there will be a full debate with speakers covering all of the main market and production issues as well as all of the policy issues.”

Lowest average income

He added that this is an important event for hill sheep farmers in terms of directing and driving the issues that are critical to their sector.

IFA hill chair Pat Dunne said incomes of hill farmers are the lowest, according to the 2014 Teagasc National Farm Survey.

The average farm income in hill areas is €16,338, with direct payments representing 100% or more of the income.

He said a concerted campaign across a wide range of areas will be necessary to deal with the low-income crisis and decline in hill farmer numbers. Recent cutbacks to farm schemes and other vital supports have hit hill farmers more than most.

Farmers who left the IFA for alternative farming organisations include many sheep farmers in mountainous and other disadvantaged areas. The need for the IFA to cater for their needs was a major theme in the presidential campaign that led to Joe Healy’s election.

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