Three candidates are to run for President of the Irish Farmers' Association.

It follows the resignation of former IFA President Eddie Downey last year, after revelations that the former General Secretary received a €2 million package in two years.

Henry Burns from Laois, Joe Healy from Galway and Flor McCarthy from Kerry will contest the presidential election to be held in April.

Each of the candidates received the required number of nominations - their own County Executive and five other County Executives.

Henry Burns is the IFA's Livestock Chairman, Flor McCarthy the Rural Development Chairman, and Joe Healy the IFA Farm Business Galway rep.

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) earlier revealed that elections for its new President and Board will take place at the end of April.

The Association's Executive Council is to assume the collective leadership of the IFA until the election of the new leadership.