User talk:Joerea

Joe Rea's dominated farming politics for most of the Eighties, when he was president of the Irish Farmers'Association.

Joe Rea came to national prominence in 1967 when, at 25, he was elected president of Macra na Feirme. During his tenure he set about broadening the organisation's focus beyond its traditional social and economic role. He took an active stance in the representation of young farmers on economic issues and campaigned for them to have more say in the running of co-ops. He launched the Associated Membership Scheme, which helped safeguard Macra's financial position.

Mr Rea went on to become a significant figure in farm politics. He served as chairman of the Farm Apprenticeship Board and in 1984 was elected IFA president. During his four-year term, he brought the organisation into National Partnership, in 1987. He became the first chairman of the Teagasc Authority, in 1988. More recently he was a member of the board of FBD Insurance. He was also a columnist with the Irish Farmers Journal and compiler of the Milk League.

The IFA President Padraig Walshe said over the past 50 years Joe Rea was passionate in his pursuit of the same living standards for farmers and their families as those outside farming. In his graveside oration, Mr Walshe said: "His life was spent in the service of farmers in several different ways. He took on the establishment whenever he felt it was necessary, from the creamery manager to the minister of the day and any other individual that stood in the way of progress."

While Joe started farming at a young age, he continued his education through the Rural Diploma course from UCC in the local technical school.

As a master farmer he was prepared to share his knowledge with young farmers and was a great believer in the Farm Apprenticeship Board. His first involvement in community activity was in the local Macra Na Tuaithe club. He then moved up through Macra na Feirme and was elected president in 1967. From Macra Joe moved onto IFA in South Tipperary. Farmers identified with Joe Rea for his passion and leadership, and especially the Milk League, which he started in the Farmers Journal in 1971.

He served as Deputy President of the IFA from 1976 until 1980. "Joe Rea's term as IFA president from '84 to '88 was one of many achievements, but I know there are two achievements he always put at the top of his list," Mr Walshe added. "He highlighted the failure of successive governments to tackle inflation and interest rates, which were destroying farm incomes."

Through Joe Rea's research and campaigning, the Government was forced to admit it was maintaining an overvalued pound that was crippling our food exports - the resulting devaluation boosted farm incomes. He also got the unfair land tax abolished, another major success.

Under his leadership, IFA moved from a protest organisation to one sitting at the central negotiating table with other sectors. Joe Rea saw partnership as the final part of the farmers' rights campaign started in 1966.

"While Joe was always polite and courteous, he had no time for pretence or self importance," said the current IFA president. "His vision and drive was to represent the ordinary farmer. He was a brilliant public speaker, particularly in front of fellow farmers. His intellect, his passion and his powerful wit were awesome.

"When he was embarking on a campaign, the first thing he would do is arm himself with facts and information. He could identify weakness in an opponent instantly. Joe was never apologetic for using his power for the good of farmers," he noted.

Representatives of the other farming organisations also attended the funeral. President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) Jackie Cahill said Joe Rea brought vision, energy and integrity to every position he held.

"Joe Rea was the most prominent of the second generation of farm leaders who had had come to the fore during very difficult times for farmers and the wider economy," Mr Cahill stated. "Joe's contributions were always notable for their energy, vision and integrity and his introduction of the milk-price league table enabled farmers to identify quickly and reliably where their processors stood on the sector norm.

"It has become the standard industry measurement and that, in itself, shows the deep knowledge and acumen that Joe Rea displayed."

Chairman of Teagasc Dr Tom O'Dwyer paid tribute to Joe Rea's contribution: he chaired from 1988 to 1993. During his time he led the successful integration of ACOT, the advisory and training service, and AFT, the Agriculture Research Institute.

Mr Rea is survived by his wife Margaret and his children Michael, Martin and Trina, his grandchildren, brother Richard and extended family.

THE IRISH farming community has lost a great voice and a fearless leader in Joe Rea, 69, who died at his home, following a short illness.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan was among the hundreds who attended his funeral in Ballylobby last Tuesday. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was represented by Comdt Michael Murray. The IFA formed a guard of honour, which included former presidents Paddy Lane, Donal Cashman, Tom Clinton, Alan Gillis, John Donnelly, Tom Parlon, John Dillon and current president, Padraig Walshe.