World Bank adviser to lead Teagasc

THE new director of Teagasc has been announced as Professor Gerry Boyle, an international consultant on agricultural policy with the World Bank.

His appointment, subject to contract, was approved by the Teagasc Authority, with the consent of Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan at a meeting in Oak Park, Carlow.

Prof Boyle, who will take over from acting director Tom Kirley on October 1, is Professor Emeritus of economics at the National University of Ireland. A previous head of the Economics Department at NUI Maynooth, he is a senior associate at Farrell Grant Sparks Consulting Ltd.

In his early career he worked as a research officer in the Agricultural Institute, now part of Teagasc, becoming a senior research officer in the rural economy division, prior to joining NUI Maynooth.

He has written seven books, is widely published in academic journals, and has completed more than 36 major commissioned research reports.

As Director of Teagasc, he will be responsible for the management and development of the organisation’s research, advisory and training activities.

Employing more than 1,500 people, Teagasc operates eight research centres, eight colleges and a nationwide advisory service for farmers.

Living in Co Tipperary, Professor Boyle is married and has four children.