Nuffield Ireland announces new chairperson
New Nuffield Chair, Gráinne Dwyer.
Gráinne Dwyer, a dairy farmer from Borris in Ossory, Co. Laois, has taken over from Joseph Leonard as chair of Nuffield Ireland.
She is stepping into the role after joining the Board of Nuffield Ireland in 2023. Alongside dairy farming, Ms Dwyer has previously worked in the agricultural industry at the Irish Grassland Association, Nore Conference Services, and Animal Health Ireland.
In 1999, Ms Dwyer became the first female recipient of a Nuffield Scholarship during which she researched the role and recognition of women in the agricultural sector. She remains a passionate advocate for women in agriculture, championing greater inclusion and recognition within the industry.
Speaking on the new appointment, outgoing chair Joseph Leonard said: “I would like to wish Gráinne and the board every success going forward. I've had the pleasure of working with Gráinne and know that she will bring a very high level of enthusiasm, hard work and dedication to her new role as chair of the Nuffield Ireland board.”
Regarding her appointment, Ms Dwyer said: “I am delighted to be selected as chair, and I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead… I believe Nuffield Ireland has come of age, and this has allowed us to reach new heights.
"We want to continue encouraging, in particular, farmers and those in the agricultural industry to engage with their communities through a Nuffield Scholarship, and it will be among one of my priority areas as chair to look at how we can facilitate and encourage more farmer participation.”
Ms Dwyer will open the 2025 Nuffield Conference which takes place on November 14, at the Horse and Jockey Hotel in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
The conference will feature a fireside chat with director general of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Laura Burke, and presentations from the five returning Nuffield Ireland scholars on their research findings and recommendations.
