The competition element of the National Ploughing Championships could take place "behind closed gates" in August, subject to public health guidelines, according to Anna May McHugh.
Speaking on RTÉ's Countrywide, the National Ploughing Association's assistant managing director said a decision will be made in mid-May as to whether of not to hold the National Ploughing Championships, which is Europe's largest outdoor agricultural trade exhibition.
This year's event is scheduled to take place from 5-17 September.
She said the NPA is closely following and monitoring guidelines and that health and safety "is the foremost priority".
Ms McHugh said Ireland is hosting the World Ploughing event in September 2021 and must have the Irish qualifiers ready to take part in that event.
For that to happen, she said, the ploughing competition may take place behind closed gates in late August.
Earlier this week, the organisers of the championships said social distancing at the exhibition would pose a massive problem and if there is any risk to the public, the event "won't be happening".
The Government has confirmed that events with crowds of more than 5,000 will not be licensed up to the end of August.
Ms McHugh also appealed to all people to follow the public health guidelines saying it is a small sacrifice to make given those families who has lost loved ones to Covid-19.
