Two Offalians set to participate in prominent agri-leadership event

Offaly organic farmer and artisan food producer Margaret Edgill from Daingean and agronomist Thomas Murray from Banagher are among the scholars who will present the findings of their research at the upcoming 2024 Nuffield Ireland conference ‘Shaping the Future of Irish Agriculture’ which takes place in the Mount Wolseley Hotel, Carlow on Friday, November 15.

The annual event, sponsored by premium investor, FBD Trust, will also include a fireside chat on leadership in agribusiness with former Group MD of Glanbia plc, Siobhán Talbot.

Margaret Edgill's research ‘Agriculture & Tourism Synergy: Paving the Way for Farm Diversification and Rural Prosperity’ highlights the potential of agritourism to revitalise Ireland's rural economy. By diversifying their operations, farmers can enhance their income, create jobs, and attract tourists to rural areas.

The study emphasises the need for a comprehensive National Agritourism Strategy to support this growth. Key enablers include government support, aligned stakeholders, and a focus on sustainability. By learning from international models, Ireland can position itself as a leading destination for agritourism, contributing to both economic and social development.

Thomas Murray's research on ‘The future of Potato and Vegetable production in Ireland: What next?’ investigated how to improve the profitability and sustainability of the Irish potato and carrot industry.

The study highlighted several challenges facing the sector, including declining primary producers, lack of independent research, below-cost selling, and competitive imports.

Key findings include the significant volume of imported potato and vegetable products on Irish shelves, despite the country's reputation for producing these crops. The research emphasised the potential for import substitution, which could mitigate risks for growers and promote sustainability.

The study also explored market trends, noting the growing demand for convenience and prepared products. The research recommended increased collaboration between research, breeding, production, and market sectors to improve knowledge sharing and benchmarking.

By learning from international best practices and adopting sustainable production methods, the Irish potato and carrot industry can enhance its competitiveness and long-term viability.

Bookings for the 2024 Nuffield Ireland Conference are open, and can be made here: https://nuffield.ie/nuffield-conference/