Healy, who will be one of six vice presidents, was elected vice president of the grouping at a vote in Brussels on Friday morning. Healy will serve under new COPA president Joachim Rukwied from the German Farmers’ Association
According to the IFA, Healy “topped the poll among the seven candidates”.
Speaking following his election, Healy said he will strive to keep Irish farmers’ voices heard at key decision-making aspects of European policy.
“There are a number of crucial issues for Irish agriculture currently on the agenda, such as Brexit, the Mercosur trade deal and glyphosate licensing.
“I aim to work with our European colleagues to see farmers receive a fair share of retail prices. There are also medium-term issues such as the review of the CAP and the increasing challenges arising from climate change.
“These are issues which will impact directly on the incomes of Irish farmers.”
Returned
Separately, Healy was re-elected unopposed to serve a second term as president of the IFA last week.