The National Livestock Committee fully represents the interests of the country's 100,000 livestock farmers on all issues affecting members incomes and livelihoods. Representing the largest number of farmers nationwide, the IFA National Livestock Committee comprises of 29 democratically elected members from each of the IFA's County Executives.
The Committee undertakes this work at local, national, European and international level constantly analysing complex problems and issues, and proposing policies and solutions geared at meeting the interests of farmers.
The National Committee usually meets 6 to 7 times per year with a Management Committee meeting in the intervening periods. At county level Livestock Committee meetings are held at regular intervals.
The following is a summary list of the main issues the National Livestock Committee deals with on behalf of farmer members:
Beef and livestock prices
Beef and live cattle markets
Market development and access
EU and international market supports
National, EU and international policy issues
Single Farm Payment entitlements
o Cross Compliance
o Modulation
Suckler Cow Wefare Scheme
WTO negotiations
Promotions
The work of the Committee is very wide ranging from high level contacts at European level in meetings with Agricultural or Trade Commissioners on policy issues.