The General Secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) has declared his candidacy for the European elections, standing in the South Constituency.
Eddie Punch is quitting his role at the ICSA after 25 years and will stand as an Independent in the June elections.
Mr Punch has given notice to the ICSA that he will step down as general secretary to campaign for a seat.
He said that he will stand on a platform of protecting farming and demanding fair treatment for farmers, advocating for balanced regional development of the country and for mental health.
"This is not just about farmers; this is about all of the people whose lives and economic well-being is linked to the success of our agri-food sector," he said.
"This is about the choice of European consumers to have high quality nutrition delivered by the family farm model. This is about Ireland's vital national interests of which our farming sector is a key component."
On balanced regional development, he referenced plans to further develop Dublin airport.
"Instead of Dublin airport expanding I want to see the right balance between Dublin and the regions and I want to see more access for Shannon, Cork and Farranfore airports.
"This is critical for tourism, for investment, for the development of the cities of Limerick, Cork and Waterford as a balance to Dublin which is becoming unliveable for many citizens due to housing costs and congestion."
On mental health he says he want EU policies assessed for the potential mental stress they cause citizens.
"I have seen first-hand the pressure that farmers and small businesses are being put under, by more and more red tape and regulation," Mr Punch said.
"I believe that the EU institutions have lost touch with the impact of their grandiose plans on the people on the ground who are expected to implement them."
