Edition Bobbett2. Speeches and statements by Elizabeth F. Bobbett

1955 Dublin, Annual Convention of the Irish Farmers’ Federation

Source: Wicklow People, 16.04.1955

The agenda as sent out by Miss Elizabeth F. Bobbett, General Secretary, prepared the delegates to consider the position of the Federation in relation to the proposed new national farmers’ organisation, which had in view the re-organisation of all agricultural interests under the one body. In the course of a full and frank discussion the delegates unanimously indicated their viewpoint, that they were willing to dissolve the IFF and gave their reasons for so deciding as follows:

a) It had always been the aim of the Federation to consolidate the agricultural organisations of the country under this officially recognised trades union movement, and so bring into closer unity, and co-operation, all farmers utterly distinct from any political atmosphere.

b) They had no wish to do anything which might impede the progress of the new organisation, rather had they the desire to see it grow successfully, and nationally, and to give it what help they could, and the benefit of their own long and arduous experience.

c) The Federation had held the fort in the interests of the agricultural community as a whole throughout most difficult and critical periods. They expressed a hope now that the younger generation who seek to establish this new association, will appreciate the work which the Federation had accomplished in its 17 years’ existence.

In this respect Miss Bobbett submitted her 17th annual report, giving a resume of events and achievements within the lifetime of the IFF, in order to refresh the memories of the older farmers, and to enlighten the minds of the younger generation as to the efforts made, and successes attained on behalf of those engaged in agriculture.

Commenting on the popular cry to give more attention to agriculture, and to the criticism levelled when comparison is made with other countries as to agricultural output here, Miss Bobbett cited the increase in exports of live cattle and dressed beef, i.e., 1948, £15,811,000; 1954, £45,807,000; and in pigs and pig products, 1948, £32,000; 1954, £8,128,000.

County Wicklow farmers, being in a peculiar position, and a typical cross-section of the agricultural community, assumed the lead in its organisation. It was intended that each association should, while retaining its own peculiar independence, and management, contribute a fixed sum and elect representatives to the Central Executive. Recounting the many ways for attaining publicity, she recalled the one-day strike in Dublin in April, 1939, which closed the Cattle Market for one day, and in which 5,000 farmers from all counties marched, she herself on a white horse leading the group of horsemen. Many appropriate slogans were carried. Demonstrations were led in Letterkenny, Wexford, Enniscorthy, Fethard, Rathdrum, Dunleer, and owing to their continued agitation they were forcing others to admit the true position of agriculture. They had sent their memorandum to the heads of the churches, including the Hierarchy at Maynooth in 1942, and it was an unique occasion, when in Maynooth, their deputation was received by the late Cardinal Joseph MacRory.

In September, 1939, on the outbreak of war, the Federation waited on the Taoiseach, Mr. Eamon de Valera, and the Minister for Agriculture, Dr. James Ryan, assuring them of the fullest co-operation in increased food production, while pointing out the necessary reliefs to enable farmers to give maximum production. The Taoiseach refused these requests. In November, 1939, after consultation with other groups of farmers, not affiliated to the Federation, a strike was called of the Leinster Milk Producers’ Association and the IFF, lasting from 18th November to 1st December, during which for two weeks, Dublin cattle market was closed.

Year after year the Federation made representations to the successive Ministers of Agriculture on the needs of the industry, for increased grain prices, removal of restrictions from pig production, etc., for grants for improved farm buildings, reconstruction grants, etc.

Numerous conferences were held with the Federation of Irish Manufacturers, Irish Banks Standing Committee, Agricultural Credit Corporation, Irish Land Commission, and much relief was obtained for hard-pressed farmers.

In 1941 the trade of the country was held up by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, and she was confident that were it not for the delegation, including the IFF, to the unions in Scotland and England, normal trade relations would not have been resumed so soon. The Federation gave evidence before the Commission on Vocational Organisation and the summer-time commission and they had issued three useful books on agriculture.

When word came of the Marshall Aid, the Federation sent a deputation to Mr. Joseph Carrigan, Chief of the first ECA Mission here and an outcome was the present lime scheme. Following representations to the Minister for Agriculture they had the present-day fertiliser credit scheme. The Federation was the first body to invite British farmers to visit this country – such parties came from Devonshire in 1947, 1948, 1950 and 1954, and the Federation accepted the invitation of a return visit in 1949.

Regarding the suggestion to join the International Federation of Agriculture, Miss Bobbett recalled that in 1947, on the initiative of the Cork Farmers’ Union (not affiliated), a general conference was convened, but when subsequently it was found what the contribution would be, the whole matter was dropped, the Federation, through her, being the only one to hand in a cheque for the stated contribution.

In 1952 the Federation drew attention to the serious decline in cattle population, and asked for a £7 subsidy for each calf reared to one year, suitable for either beef or milk, so as to stop the sale of in-calf cattle to factories. That was refused, and to-day, with a decrease of 52,000 calves born in 1953, they saw the effect in cattle scarcity and high prices.

The Federation had always stressed with the utmost force the need for a national financial system suitable to the needs of the country and based on the land and the people’s capacity to produce, similar to other progressive countries.