High-calibre board assembled to present development policy plan

THE 2020 Strategy Committee for agri-food, forestry and fisheries is drawn from senior experts and participants in all aspects of the sector.

Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith has asked the committee to draw up a short, sharp document which sets out the key strategies required for the development of the sector.

He has asked the committee to report by June 1, 2010. It will also consider comments received from individuals and organisations through the public consultation exercise.

In addition to Dr Sean Brady, chairman, the 2020 committee will include Dan Browne, Bord Bia, Noel Cawley, Teagasc, Rose McHugh, BIM, Mike Magan, Animal Health Ireland, Noel Groome, Foras Orgánach and Jim Fennell, Marine Institute

John Bryan, IFA, Jackie Cahill, ICMSA, Pat McLoughlin, ICOS, Gabriel Gilmartin, ICSA, Michael Gowing, Macra na Feirme and William Keane, 2009 FBD Young Farmer of the Year, will also be members.

Food industry executives on the committee will be Larry Murrin, Food and Drinks Industry Ireland (FDII), (Dawn Farm Foods), John Moloney, Glanbia, John Horgan ,Kepak, John Counsel, Diageo, Jim Hanley, Rosderra, Dan McSweeney, Carbery, Eamonn Lennon, Abbott, and Donal Byrne, Cadbury.

Lorcain Ó Cinnéide, Irish Fish Producers Organisation, Brendan Lacey, Irish Timber Growers Association, Chris Martin, Musgrave Group, and Gary Browne, RMG Target, will also serve on the committee.

Michael Dowling, AIB, Professor Alan Matthews. TCD, Tom Considine, former secretary general, Department of Finance, Mary Kelly, Environment Protection Agency, and Gerry McCormack, Irish Congress of Trade Unions, will also be members.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland will provide the secretariat.