European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan has said he believes people will be quite satisfied to see the concerns of Ireland clearly stitched into the EU Brexit negotiation principles that will be agreed by leaders at a summit in Brussels next Saturday.
He also told a gathering of 800 farmers in Co Kildare that he detects some softening in the UK's stance on Brexit.
The election in the UK, he said, could provide a further positive twist as a larger majority for British Prime Minister Theresa May will allow her more room for compromise in the Brexit negotiations.
He also said the EU will support Ireland in adjusting to Brexit.
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Irish Farmers' Association President Joe Healy outlined three things that farmers require in the upcoming Brexit negotiations.
Farmers, he said, are demanding the closest possible trading relationship with the UK be maintained.
He said they are demanding that the value of the trade in agricultural products between Ireland and the UK must be maintained.
In addition, he told Mr Hogan that Irish farmers are determined to make a case that the Common Agricultural Policy should be protected and maintained after the UK leaves the EU and takes with it its sizeable financial contribution towards the budget.
Mr Healy said that Irish farmers need, expect and depend on him to deliver for them.
He said it was important that the European Commissioner wears the green jersey on behalf of Ireland during the Brexit negotiations.
The conference on Brexit, which was held at Goffs in Co Kildare, was organised by the IFA.
