The IFA & FBD have opened applications for the 2026 ‘Ready to Lead’ programme, following the successful launch of the programme earlier this year.
The Ready to Lead programme is for farmers interested in learning more about agri-policy, providing the opportunity to meet key stakeholders who help shape policy within agriculture in Ireland and the EU, while also providing those farmers with hands-on experience within IFA.
The six-day programme will be rolled out over three events across two days each, throughout 2026. It will include sessions with leaders in the sector; political representatives in Dublin; and an educational tour to Brussels to see the IFA office in action and to gain a better understanding of how the EU institutions work on the ground.
Speaking at the launch of the programme for 2026, IFA President Francie Gorman said it is crucial the Association provides the next generation of farm leaders with the opportunity to get involved as the decisions on agri-policy being made today will impact on their futures.
“The Ready to Lead programme provides the future leaders of Irish farming the opportunity to engage face-to-face with key decision makers on agri-policy and industry stakeholders both here in Ireland and in Brussels. The level of access provided to participants is unmatched,” Francie Gorman said.
