A Laois farmer has been elected as one of the new vice-chairs of the Copa Cogeca working party on beef.
Declan Hanrahan, a beef farmer from Borris-in-Ossory, is currently the chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Livestock Committee.
He previously served as Vice-Chair of the National Livestock Committee.
Copa Cogeca, the European umbrella organisation representing farmers and agri-cooperatives, is headquartered in Brussels.
Cope represents over 22 million farmers and their family members whilst Cogeca represents the interests of 22,000 agri-cooperatives.
The say that they strive to deliver the type of agricultural products that citizens expect and demand, with a market-oriented agriculture that provides the highest level of food safety, sustainability, plant and animal health and welfare standards.
Dominique Fayel, a prominent figure in French agriculture was reappointed as chair of the working party on beef.
While Jerzy Wierzbicki from Poland joins Hanrahan as the new vice chairs of the group.
A spokesperson for Copa Cogeca welcomed Hanrahan and Wierzbicki to the role.
They said: “Their combined expertise and leadership will be key in navigating the critical challenges facing the EU beef sector starting.”
