The President of the Irish Farmers Association says the salary of their General Secretary will be published in the future.

It comes as it emerged that Pat Smith, who stood down as head of the organisation yesterday, received a remuneration package of €445,000 last year, and €535,000 in 2013.

Eddie Downey confirmed that he disclosed the details of the pay package to council members during an emergency meeting of the IFA's Executive Council in Portlaoise this evening.

53 members representing counties and farming sectors met to discuss the next steps for the organisation.

Mr Smith's pay had come under scrutiny after former deputy president Derek Deane pushed for details.

However the IFA executive had rejected calls to reveal the salary of Mr Smith, who took over as general secretary in 2009.

In his resignation statement Mr Smith said he was stepping down in the association's best interests.

"The IFA is bigger than any one person. I have decided to put the best interests of the Association to the fore," Mr Smith said. "It has been a great honour and privilege to work with IFA for the past 25 years.

"I want to wish IFA and the voluntary officers well and I would like to thank the dedicated staff for their loyalty and commitment during my time in IFA," he added.

IFA president Eddie Downey said Mr Smith's resignation was 'very regrettable', adding that it was a great loss to the IFA and Irish farmers.

Pat O'Toole of the Irish Farmers' Journal explained how the IFA is reacting to the sudden departure, saying he does think the organisation is 'in turmoil':