Northern Ireland’s Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill has announced the appointment of Gerard McGivern as new chair to the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), effective from 7 November 2015 to 6 November 2018.

“Gerard McGivern has extensive experience of working collaboratively with many organisations,” O’Neill said in a statement. “He has been involved in various marketing roles at a senior level throughout his career and therefore will be a positive addition to the board of the LMC.”

McGivern is a marketing professional with experience in various local authorities in Northern Ireland. He currently holds the position of annual Famine commemoration event co-ordinator at Newry Mourne and Down District Council.

His previous appointments include the management of the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion tourism marketing brand and of Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd. He has been involved in cross-border initiatives and the management of LEADER-funded projects.

Quality assurance and market information

The Livestock and Meat Commission is the beef and lamb levy-funded organisation in Northern Ireland. Its board is appointed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Its main roles, in support of the beef and sheep industries, is administration of the Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assurance scheme. It also produces a highly regarded market information bulletin.

The LMC also operates a school cookery demonstration programme and various advertising campaigns to support the beef and lamb industries.