burren LIFE

Burren Irish Farmers Association

The Burren IFA is the main representative body for the farmers of the Burren. The Burren IFA group was established in 1995 as a local branch of the national organisation in order to represent the unique interests of Burren farmers at a national level. The executive committee of this organisation has farmer representatives from all areas of the Burren. This group was involved in the negotiation of the Burren REPS agreement in 1995, and continues to play a leading role in the development of agriculture in the region.

The View of the Partners

Burren IFA

The Chairperson of the Burren IFA, Mr Michael Davoren, in fully embracing the Project, has stated that he views the Project 'as an investment in the future of the farming community of the Burren' and 'an opportunity to ensure that farmers become the architects of their own destiny'. He has noted that it is vital that the Project is a success and that there is 100% commitment from the Burren IFA to the Project. Farmers recognise the importance of the Project 'as a tool for future lobbying at policy level' to ensure that 'Burren farmers get the recognition they deserve as custodians of this vitally important landscape'. Mr Davoren has stressed that 'farmers are now producing a different type of commodity - a rare and valuable commodity based on farming for conservation'. This would see 'farmers both protecting and conserving the Burren environment not just for their own families but for future generations of Irish people'.