November 9th 2014

ICSA president Patrick Kent has paid tribute to the late Joe Walsh, former Minister for Agriculture. “While many will point to his success in preventing the spread of foot and mouth disease in 2001 as his finest hour, it is arguable that his decision to introduce full decoupling will have the longest legacy,” said Mr. Kent.

“He played a central role in the 2003 CAP reform process under EU Commissioner Franz Fischler and followed up the agreement by choosing the full decoupling option for Ireland in line with the ICSA viewpoint. This decision was brave given that many were opposed to it, but in the fullness of time most came to realise that it was the correct one.”

“On behalf of ICSA, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to his wife and family.”