Briefings for 2016 Scholars – January 2016

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Nuffield Scholars meet Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, 27th Janauary 2016

 

Two days of briefings were arranged for the 2016 Scholars in Dublin on 26th and 27th January 2016. The purpose of the briefings was to to begin the process of introducing the scholars to a range of experts and companies in the agri-food sector, so that they are better prepared for their global travels. Over the 2 days they met 12 key people in the sector, and got their views on key issues and trends facing the industry, as well as advice and opinions which will be valuable to them on their travels and in the preparation of their report.

 

The 2016 scholars were accompanied by Maeve O’Keeffe (2015 Scholar) who is undertaking her travels this year.

The scholars had the opportunity to invite Maeve Whyte (2014 Nuffield UK Scholar), who was available to join them for the 2 days of briefings. Maeve used the opportunity to give an excellent overview of the Brussels decision making process, the CAP and an insight into some of the issues in the UK’s EU Referendum debate.

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Scholars meet Jeanne Kelly and Deirdre Ryan in Ornua on 27th January 2016

The 2 day programme included meetings with Justin McCarthy (Irish Farmers Journal), Karina Pierce (UCD – Re report writing), Johnny Butterly (1998 Scholar – re Mentoring Programme), Eoin Lowry (Irish Farmers Journal, Karen Brosnan (2014 Scholar – Making Effective Presentations), Jeanne Kelly, Anne Randles and Deirdre Ryan (Ornua), Ann Derwin, Sinead McPhillips and Siobhan Dowling (Department of Agriculture) and TJ Flanagan (ICOS).

The Scholars also had the opportunity to have a brief meeting with the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, when they were in the Department offices.

There will be further briefings with other industry people and companies in May and in the Autumn. It is important to ensure that Scholars have a good awareness of the views and perspectives of our industry at this stage of their scholarship. This will help them to be well prepared to maximise the learning opportunity on their global travels.