Senator Eileen Lynch appointed Vice President of EPP farmers group

Fine Gael Senator Eileen Lynch has been appointed Vice President of the EPP Farmers Group, the agriculture and rural affairs group within the European People’s Party (EPP).

Senator Lynch said this appointment will position her as a key Irish voice in shaping agricultural and rural policy at the heart of Europe. She has repeatedly spoken out on the challenges facing farmers, from the impact of climate targets to the administrative burden of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

“This appointment is about making sure Ireland’s farmers are heard in Brussels,” Senator Lynch said.

“The future of farming must be fair and sustainable — but it must also be workable for those on the ground. I’ll be bringing the voices of Irish farmers directly into European debates, from CAP reform to rural development strategy.

“Having previously served as Secretary General of Youth EPP and given my direct experience in building coalitions across Europe, combined with my deep roots in rural Cork, I am uniquely placed to bridge the gap between Brussels and the Irish countryside”.

The move comes at a critical time for Ireland’s agricultural sector, with CAP reform, rising costs, and generational renewal dominating the agenda.

Fine Gael’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon said: “I want to congratulate Eileen on her election as vice president of EPP Farmers. It is vital that Ireland has strong voices at the heart of Europe to represent the interests of Irish farmers. I know that Eileen is a passionate advocate for our most important indigenous sector and will provide an important bridge between Brussels and Irish agriculture. I look forward to continuing to work with her as we navigate a series of critical issues such as CAP reform and the future of farming in Europe.”