The new president of the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) wants to secure government support to grow the Irish farm machinery sector.

Jennifer Ryall said the sector is worth €4.8 billion a year to the economy and supports 25,000 jobs, which "are rural, well-paid jobs".

However Ryall believes believes that one element that could help the Irish machinery industry expand further is if it can harness government support, particularly in relation to grants.