Thomas Duffy finishes two-year term as Vice-President of the European Council of Young Farmers

Former Macra President Thomas Duffy finished his two-year term today as a Vice-President with the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) today. 

Thomas joins a club of past Macra presidents who have gone on to represent young farmers at the European level. The organisation is strong across Tipperary with membership high and clubs to the fore in organising events right across the county.  

Former Macra Presidents Seumas O’Brien (Carlow) and Laurence Fallon (Roscommon) and Joe Healy (Galway) along with Alan Jagoe (Cork) and Sean Finan (Roscommon) are among former Macra presidents to serve at the highest levels of CEJA as either President or Vice-President.  

“We commend Thomas on his commitment to advancing the interests of young farmers not only at the national level but also at the European level. He has shown his unwavering commitment to this group of young people year after year and we congratulate him on a successful term as CEJA Vice President” said Elaine Houlihan, Macra National President.

On completion of his appointment Thomas Duffy, said “It’s been an honour to serve as CEJA Vice President and to deliver for young farmers from Ireland and across Europe. We face challenging times as young farmers and I am fortunate to have been able to continue raising awareness of the issues facing young farmers and advocating on their behalf.” 

Thomas Duffy served as Macra National President from 2019 to 2021 and was elected CEJA Vice President in 2021. Thomas’ Macra presidency was not without its challenges, as less than a year into his presidency the world was faced with the global pandemic. Under Thomas’ leadership, Macra was able to successfully pivot the delivery of its programmes and events.

Macra’s involvement at European level is supported by IFAC Accountants. “Macra is grateful for IFAC’s continued support for our young farmer development groups and our European participation in CEJA. It is because of this support Macra is able to represent and advocate on behalf of young famers at European level” said Ms. Houlihan. 

The General Assembly elects a President and four Vice Presidents from among its members, each of a different nationality. Peter Meedendorp was elected President today at CEJA’s General Assembly while Elisabeth Hiden, Rudolfs Pulkstein, Matteo Pagliarini and Katharina Schobersberger were elected as Vice-Presidents. 

“We thank Thomas for his service and congratulates CEJA’s newly elected board. We are looking forward to working with the new board to advance the interests of young farmers across Europe” said Ms. Houlihan.