IFA ORGANISATIONAL REVIEW PROPOSALS
Welcoming the recommendations of the IFA Organisational Review, "Preparing for New Challenges", undertaken by Mr Michael Dowling, which was presented to the IFA National Council today (Wednesday, IFA President John Dillon said the proposals are radical, progressive and in the best interests of the IFA going forward.
He said: "The proposals, when adopted, will equip the IFA to deliver results for farmers in the new circumstances after the Fischler CAP reforms. The many and detailed recommendations will strengthen the Association, provide new services and position the organisation for the challenges that lie ahead."
Mr Dillon continued: "The existing structures of IFA have served farmers well with an outstanding track record of delivery. However like farming, the Organisation that serves farmers must adapt and change to new circumstances. The existing structures were in place for over 30 years and the time is now opportune to move forward with confidence to continue representing farmers efficiently and cost effectively."
Mr Dillon said the new proposed structures improve the direct link to branches and members, which will encourage and facilitate the commitment and active involvement of full time commercial farmers.
He acknowledged the depth and breath of Mr Dowling's consultation process and the clear strategic vision that he brought out in his recommendations. He said the consultation process would now commence and a decision would be taken at a specially convened meeting of the National Council on September 1st. A copy of the report is being forwarded to each of the Organisation's 940 branches this weekend.
Outlining the main recommendations from the report, Mr Dillon said the control and direction of the IFA going forward would be in the hands of a streamlined 50 member Executive Council.
The new Executive Council would have a majority of 29 County Chairmen, representing the executives around the country. In addition the other members of this new body would be the National Committee Chairmen plus the President, four Vice Presidents and the Treasurer/Returning Officer. He said a new 7 member Executive Board would be responsible for implementation of policy and day to day affairs of the Association subject to Executive Council approval. The new Executive Board would comprise the President, 4 Regional Vice Presidents, Treasurer/Returning Officer and the Chief Executive.
Mr Dillon said an innovative proposal was the establishment of project teams to deal with specific issues such as animal health, hill farming, nitrates etc. He said the Association would encourage greater participation of women by giving each branch that nominated a woman delegate to County Executive meetings an additional vote.
The recommendations for a weighted branch voting system made good sense and would better reflect attendance and voting at branch meetings. He said IFA must give confidence and support to young farmers taking up farming and the report is proposing the establishment of a young farmers committee in IFA. Mr Dillon said the 'branch' would remain the fundamental core of the Organisation and the proposals recommend measures to strengthen and improve branch activity.
The County Chairmen would be clearly identified as the IFA leader in their respective executive areas and would play a new role in policy formation as members of the Executive Council. Detailed policy formation and negotiations would remain the responsibility of National Committees and their respective Chairmen.
In conclusion Mr Dillon thanked all the branches and members that had participated in consultation process.
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