Anton McNulty
Ballyvary based farmer John Comer has declared his candidacy to become the President of the Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA).
The dairy and beef farmer declared his candidature for the top job on Friday having served as the deputy leader of the organisation for the last two years. The father of three who farms 42 hectares in Shraheens, Ballyvary told The Mayo News that his vision on the future of farming in Ireland would be similar to a number of the organisation’s members and that is why he put his name forward.
At present agricultural exports are valued at €7.5 billion annually and while Mr Comer fully supports the idea of the 2020 vision, he wants it implemented without damaging the concept of the family farm.
“We buy into the vision but on a structural basis where farming can remain viable. If there is to be extra production it has to be done in a structured way which protects the viability of the family farm. We will not buy into anything where to have a future you must take over your neighbour’s farm to remain viable,” he said.
As of yet, only one other candidate has declared their candidacy to replace Jackie Cahill as the President, Dominic Cronin from north Cork. The election is set to take place during the second week in December with the balloting of the 93 members of the National Council.
