Global trade focus of agri-food conference

BY CIARA O’BRIEN

THE provision of safe, nutritious food and challenges for global trade will be the main topics under discussion at the ‘Shaping the Vision for Ireland’s Agri-Food Industry 2030’ conference which will take place in the Convention Centre, Dublin on Friday, November 10th. 

The event has been organised by Ceres, a new network for women in agri-business. It aims to facilitate opportunities for diverse thinking while developing competent leadership within the industry.

The conference will feature contributions from prominent experts in the areas of Irish agri-food and international markets including: Fiona Muldoon, CEO, FBD Insurance; Pamela Byrne, CEO, Food Safety Authority of Ireland; Michael Hoey, MD, Country Crest; Darina Allen, founder, Ballymaloe Cookery School; Doreen Corridan, veterinary consultant, Munster AI; Ann Derwin, director of global Irish division, DFAT; Pat O’Keeffe, head of farmer relations, Glanbia; Sinead McPhillips, head of agri-food policy and strategy development, DAFM; Maeve Whyte, director, NFU, Brussels; Helen King, director of consumer insights, Bord Bia and Lucinda Creighton, CEO, Vulcan Consulting.  

Karen Brosnan, chair of Ceres, said: ‘Our inaugural conference will hear from a host of inspiring industry leaders who will discuss matters of vital importance in bringing the agri-food sector forward towards 2030. Alongside the insightful analysis and expertise offered from our panel contributors, attendees will be encouraged to participate and share their perspectives on what our industry needs to do to remain competitive in an ever-changing global environment.’ 

The event will consist of two panel discussions, followed by an open-space session to facilitate knowledge exchange and networking. The first session will concentrate on the need to continually produce safe and nutritious food. The second session will focus on navigating the global trading environment, touching on issues such as Brexit and Mercosur and the need for innovation in thinking and process. Fiona Muldoon, CEO, FBD Insurance said: ‘FBD Insurance is at the forefront of supporting and protecting food and agricultural businesses in Ireland. This inaugural conference for Ceres, a new agri-business network, promotes thought, leadership and diversity in our thriving agri-food industry, as well as throwing down the challenge of where to bring it in the future. I believe that celebrating diversity of thought and building a vision for the future will ensure the success of all good Irish agri-food businesses.’

Tickets for the event can be purchased from www.eventbrite.ie priced €25 including a light lunch. 

For further information see @CeresNetwork or #Ceres17.