The Executive Council of the Irish Farmers� Association has unanimously recommended a Yes vote to farm families in next month�s referendum on the Fiscal Treaty.

IFA President John Bryan said, �Following consideration of all the issues this afternoon, the members of the Executive Council decided unanimously it is in the best interests of farm families, their businesses, the rural economy, and the country, to vote Yes on May 31st.�

He said, �The members of the Executive Council recognise that it is a very difficult and uncertain time for everybody in the country at the moment. Farm families face serious challenges themselves, from CAP reform to the impact of national Budget decisions, rising costs and income pressures. However, the Council is clearly of the view that these and other issues must remain separate from the debate in the upcoming Referendum.�

John Bryan said farm families have always shown strong support for the European Union and the Common Agricultural Policy, and a Yes vote in the Referendum is very important in underpinning agricultural production, exports, jobs and the rural economy in this country.