Edmond Phelan has been announced as the new rural development chair of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA).

The committee works on tackling many issues facing rural communities on a daily basis including rural crime and financial pressures.

Phelan, former ICSA president, said that some of the main focuses of the association this year will include supporting farmers through issues with the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and the the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3).

He said another challenge for all farm organisations will be dealing with the Mercosur trade deal, which will see 99,000t of high value steak cuts into the EU market.

Phelan added that he will also look at forestry issues this year, and as he takes up the role, he plans to meet with Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Michael Healy-Rae.

Phelan said his main focus in the new role will be putting pressure on government to create a "proper" farm retirement scheme.

"One thing that has always been a bug bear with me, if I lease my land to my son or daughter, it is not tax free, if I lease it to someone unrelated, it is. That puts people a little bit off it, to hold on to the tax free money.

"Maybe for at least one term of five years, you could lease tax free to children. Then you know whether they're going to do it or not and you can sign it over," Phelan said.

His new role was announced at the ICSA annual general meeting (AGM) and annual conference. The theme for the conference is 'Survival, Sustainability, and Succession: Securing the Future of Family Farms'.

The AGM brings together a dynamic group of young members for a panel discussion to share their experiences, hopes, and challenges in farming today.

The discussion is set to explore what drives young people to pursue a future in agriculture, the realities of farming in an increasingly regulated and uncertain environment, and what needs to change to secure the sustainability of family farms.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon is also set to speak at the AGM during the evening session at 7:00p.m.