Bantry farmer appointed to Teagasc Authority

JOHN Buckley, Aughaville, Bantry, is one of two people to have been appointed to the Teagasc Authority for five-year terms by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, TD.

At the Teagasc board meeting on Wednesday, October 3rd, the chairman of Teagasc, Liam Herlihy, welcomed John, along with Patrick Duffy of Mohill, Co Leitrim, and congratulated them on their appointment. He said: ‘Both individuals bring a wealth of experience and knowledge of agriculture, farming and the food industry to the Teagasc Authority, and I look forward to working closely with them over the coming years. “

John Buckley is a dairy farmer and was nominated by Macra na Feirme. He is married to Marguerite and they have one child. 

John was winner of the FBD Young Farmer of the Year competition back in 2013. His father, Corney Buckley, is current chairman of West Cork IFA.

In 2015 John was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship to examine the labour issue on farms in Ireland, producing a report, ‘People Skills: The Biggest Challenge Facing Irish Agriculture.’ Since their inception four years ago, he has been a member of the judging panel for the West Cork Farming Awards run by The Southern Star and the Celtic Ross Hotel.

Padraig Gibbons and Nohoval’s Alan Jagoe have both stepped down from the Teagasc Authority having completed their respective terms. 

Chairman of Teagasc, Liam Herlihy thanked both Padraig and Alan for their contributions to the organisation. He said: ‘They brought different knowledge, expertise and skills sets to the organisation, making an invaluable contribution to the decision making of the Teagasc Authority. I want to thank both for their commitment and their excellent contributions to Teagasc over many years.’

Mr Herlihy also paid tribute to the outgoing chairman, Dr Noel Cawley, for the outstanding service he has given to Teagasc over the last ten years as chairman. He said: ‘Teagasc and the agri-food industry have benefitted enormously from his leadership, wisdom and knowledge.’