Jason O’Leary, a potato grower from Blackwater, Co. Wexford, has been elected chair of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) Potato Committee, following a meeting yesterday (Monday, January 12).

He succeeds Sean Ryan who has completed his four-year term as chair.

The committee acknowledged Ryan’s significant contribution and leadership during his tenure.

Jason O’Leary said he was delighted to be elected chair of the committee and looked forward to working closely with farmers and sector stakeholders.

"Potato farming is in the midst of a very challenging period. I look forward to representing our potato farmers and will work hard to try and ensure the viability of the sector in the coming years,” he said.

IFA

Jason O’Leary will formally take up the position of chair of the Potato Committee at the 71st IFA annual general meeting (AGM) tomorrow.

He will be among several new chairs formally appointed today following recent elections.

David Hall, a dairy and beef farmer from Newbliss, Co. Monaghan will take over as chair of the Animal Health Committee. He succeeds TJ Maher, who has completed a four-year term as chair.

James Gallagher has been elected as the next chair of the Hill Farming Committee.

The sheep farmer from Kinlough, Co. Leitrim succeeds Caillin Conneely, who has completed his four-year term as chair.

Brendan Soden will be the new chair of the association's Poultry Committee.

The layer farmer and pullet producer from from Stradone, Co. Cavan previously served as vice chair. He succeeds Nigel Sweetnam, who has completed a four-year term as chair.

John Murphy, a tillage and dairy farmer from Monageer, Co. Wexford was elected chair of the IFA Grain Committee. He succeeds Kieran McEvoy, who has completed a four-year term as chair.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will address the IFA AGM this evening. The event will also be attended by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon.