Agricultural Science Association conference to debate the next generation of farmers

This year's annual conference will focus on generational renewal, water quality, climate and Ireland's strengths as a food-producing nation

(Left to right): Mr Dale Crammond (ASA president) and Dr Michael Berkery (chairperson of the FBD Trust) at the launch of this year's Agricultural Science Association (ASA) annual conference.

Bridging generational gaps and securing the future of Ireland’s food production sector will be among the key topics of the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) Annual Conference.

The annual conference will be held this year in the Killashee Hotel in Naas on September 3, with this year’s theme being: "Roots of Resilience: Safeguarding Our Food Production Model for the Next Generation."

Minister for agriculture, food and the marine Martin Heydon will join figures from across Ireland’s agri-sector, including CEO of Ornua, Conor Galvin, and group development manager at Dawn Meats, Paul Nolan, alongside representatives from industry, research and policy.

With just 4.5% of Irish farmers under 35 years of age, generational renewal will be one of the key themes of the conference.

Barry Cowen MEP will provide an overview of the latest developments on generational renewal under the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), before joining IFA president Francie Gorman, Macra president Josephine O’Neill, Paul Nolan of Dawn Meats and Dr Fiona Williams of Harper Adams University for a panel discussion chaired by Dr Brian Leonard of UCD.

ASA president Dale Crammond said: “Generational renewal is critical to the future of Irish farming. We need to ensure that the sector remains strong and viable for those already farming while giving the next generation the confidence to see a future in it.”

Sponsored by FBD Insurance, the event will also aim to explore Ireland’s strengths as a food-producing nation, with speakers including director of meat, food and beverages at Bord Bia, John Murray, chief government and international affairs officer at the Canadian Cattle Association, Jennifer Babcock, and CEO of The Malting Company, Paul McGillicuddy.

Tirlán’s Thomas Ryan and chief inspector at the Department of Agriculture will also help examine other key challenges within the industry such as water quality, climate and biodiversity.

The programme will feature a fireside chat with Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech, hosted by Damien O’Reilly of ICOS.

Mr Crammond said: “There are no easy answers to all of these challenges, but by bringing people together to share ideas and highlight positive developments, we hope to contribute to the discussion and help shape the future of Irish agriculture. We look forward to welcoming colleagues from across the sector to Killashee in September.” 

The ASA’s annual black-tie banquet will follow the conference, with Ireland rugby star Tadhg Furlong confirmed as a special guest for the evening.