The Irish Fish Producers' Organisation (IFPO), the longest-established fish producers' organisation in Ireland, has held its annual general meeting in Galway, marking 50 years since the organisation's incorporation in 1975, with national headquarters based in Killybegs.

Fishing News reported that Irish fisheries minister Timmy Dooley attended the AGM and delivered the keynote address, thanking IFPO members and chief executive Aodh O Donnell for their engagement with government. The minister acknowledged the challenging period the Irish industry has faced since last December's AgriFish Council and provided an update on the targeted Irish fuel support package introduced in response.

Minister Dooley briefed IFPO members on the engagement he will undertake during the six-month lead-up to this December's Fisheries Council, aimed at ensuring Ireland's coastal communities are effectively represented and their interests defended at European level. He also outlined the process relating to the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), emphasising the importance of a robust review given that the last review was undertaken in 2013.

IFPO chair Niall Connolly thanked the minister for attending and said the organisation wanted to see the report from the new taskforce on fishing published and implemented without delay. Chief executive Aodh O Donnell said: "The last thing we need is for another report to sit on a shelf while our industry is literally fighting for its life."

Key issues addressed at the AGM included Food Vision 2030, Ireland's ten-year strategy to position its agri-food and seafood sectors as global sustainability leaders, Nephrops stock management, offshore renewable energy developments, and priorities for the year ahead.

Members also had the opportunity to meet India Kennedy, a recently appointed team member now based at the IFPO's new lobbying base in Brussels, reflecting the organisation's growing focus on direct EU engagement ahead of the December Fisheries Council.

The 50th anniversary milestone positions the IFPO as one of Ireland's most enduring sectoral advocacy bodies, at a time when the Irish fishing industry is navigating its most significant period of policy, environmental, and commercial pressure in decades.