This is a subscriber-only article
The 33-year-old agricultural consultant from Monamolin, Co Wexford, sat on the council for the ACA for four years before being appointed vice-president of the association in 2014. Now, Johnston takes over in her new position as president at an important time for the agricultural economy in Ireland.
Representing independent agricultural consultants in Ireland, the ACA currently has 144 professional members, with a further 271 professional, technical and administration staff providing business and financial advice to approximately 40,000 farmers.
Following on from her election last Friday at the annual gathering of independent consultants in the County Arms Hotel, Birr, Co Offaly, Johnston told the Irish Farmers Journal that it was “a great privilege” to be elected.
“It’s been a very male-dominated association since it first began in 1979 so it’s an honour really to be the first female president,” she said.
After graduating from UCD with a degree in animal science in 2005, Johnston worked for Kirwan Agri-Consultants in Birr, Co Offaly, up until December 2013.
In January 2014, she started her own company, Clone Agri-Consultants Ltd, which now works across Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Laois, Kilkenny, Offaly, Wicklow and Tipperary.
During her time with the ACA, Johnston has been heavily involved in consultations with the Department of Agriculture relating to CAP reform and the Rural Development Programme on behalf of ACA and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.
Challenge
“The biggest challenge this year I think will be the new CAP reform. Farmers will only realise the true impact of this reform in 2016,’’ Johnston said.
“The new knowledge transfer scheme will also launch this year. Members will have the chance to part-take in two different schemes now with a reduced payment.
“Consultants will be important to farmers in ensuring they receive the maximum benefits from these new reforms,” she said.
Valerie Kirwan of the entitlements section of the Department of Agriculture also addressed the attendance and discussed the details of the 2016 trading of entitlement at the annual gathering.
“Regarding the trading of entitlements, those sold without land will be subject to a 50% clawback,” she said.
Looking ahead, Johnston wants to continue the ACA’s work in helping to increase the income of farmers.
“I would also like to see an increase in membership over the coming years, and for more women and young people to get involved with the ACA,” she told theIrish Farmers Journal.
SHARING OPTIONS: