European Commissioner Mairéad McGuinness will deliver the Michael Dillon Memorial Lecture at the K Club on Friday 24 November.
The event coordinated by the Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Ireland will again be supported by Kerry Group.
McGuinness, a former guild member who served as MEP for the Ireland East and Midlands-North West constituencies from 2004 to 2020, currently holds the Financial Stability, Financial Services and Investment portfolio. Capital Markets Union Commission.
Michael Dillon Memorial Lecture
In her speech, the former first vice-president of the European Parliament will combine her contemporary and past experiences to discuss the “business of agriculture”.
President of the guild and Agriland Editor Stella Meehan said the Michael Dillon Memorial Lecture is a prestigious event in the Agri Guild calendar.
“As agriculture evolves and adapts to many new challenges, the agricultural sector involves every person along the supply chain, from farmer to processor, government, processors, education, marketing and markets.
“We look forward to hearing Commissioner McGuinness’s views, given the unique distinction she holds as a former member of the guild, combined with her current and challenging mandate within the European Commission” , Meehan said.
The event takes place as the agricultural sector is at the center of intense debates on a range of topics, including climate, sustainability, succession and food security.
Catherine Keogh, director of corporate affairs and brand at Kerry Group, said the company was delighted to continue its long-standing support of the Michael Dillon Memorial Lecture.
“The event provides an important opportunity to engage on key topics of importance to a hugely important sector, both domestically and globally.
“We know that for agriculture to succeed in providing sustainable and nutritious food, it must do so in an economically viable way, and the agricultural sector is therefore a key consideration in how to achieve this.
“We look forward to hearing Commissioner McGuinness’s valuable comments and opinions on the subject,” she said.
The event is named in honor of the late Michael Dillon, one of Ireland’s most prominent agricultural journalists and broadcasters, who was one of the founding members of the Guild in 1961.
Previous speakers at the event include former President Mary Robinson, former EU Commissioners Phil Hogan, Ray McSharry and the late Peter Sutherland and Simon Coveneythe Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The black tie event at the K Club is for members of the Agricultural Journalists Guild of Ireland only.
