Managing Director of Supervalu and Centra, Martin Kelleher

Martin Kelleher believes the success of the supermarket chain is based on their unique business model.

He said during his interview: “We are focused on a lot of what customers want; constant innovation of product ranges, local suppliers and real rewards. We have the skill and scale of a corporate company but we have our finger on the pulse and are ingrained in local communities.” Read the full interview here.

US Secretary for Agriculture, Tom Vilsack

Editor Justin McCarthy sat down with Tom Vilsack during his stopover in Ireland to talk about TTIP negotiations. As a seasoned negotiator, he was aware that political compromises is required on both sides if he is to keep agriculture in the frame.

His quotable quote was: “I don’t care what anybody says: Nothing is better than a tomato you grow. There’s something about it that’s different than a tomato you can buy. It’s a great thing.” Read the full interview here.

Glanbia managing director, Siobhan Talbot

Glanbia managing director Siobhan Talbot outlined the company's ambitious growth plans, structural change and the acquisition of Wexford Creameries.

She said: “The board of the co-op is very clear that not all members are milk suppliers – that is why you will see the progressive dividend policy. If pinch points come, and members need support, at least they are in a positive position now. It’s always good to have options.” Read the full interview here.

Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney

After been confirmed as Minister for Agriculture for the remainder of the Government's term of office in the cabinet reshuffle, Simon Coveney sat down with Pat O'Toole to discuss GLAS, the reshuffle, new markets, price volatility and land eligibility.

Speaking about the beef crisis at the time, Coveney said: "There needs to be a much more transparent relationship between farmers and processors in terms of price and of specification, I think we’ll see progress in the autumn." Read the full interview here.

EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan

As expected, Phil Hogan was announced as Ireland’s commissioner designate to the agriculture portfolio in the cabinet reshuffle. Hogan gave his first interview as commissioner to the Irish Farmers Journal, outlining the philosophy he will bring to the job, pivotal to the future of Irish and European farming, and indeed farming across the planet.

On his move to Brussels, he said: “I’m going to immerse myself fully in Brussels politics for the next five years. I want to ensure that the confidence shown in me by the Taoiseach and the Government is well-placed. I will still be home regularly. I don’t expect to miss too many big Kilkenny matches in the years ahead – the Commission don’t meet on Sundays very often." Read the full interview here.

Managing Director of Dawn Meats, Niall Browne

In October, Niall Browne, MD of Dawn Meats spoke to Patrick Donohoe about the crisis in the beef sector, how farming needs to be profitable and the way forward.

Browne said in his interview: “One of the main things we can remember 2014 for is, in one word, communication. The lack of communication from the meat industry ... I believe we’re guilty of that and I believe that we need to change." Read the full interview here.

Minister of State for the Department of Agriculture, Tom Hayes

Minister Tom Hayes spoke to Donal Magner about forestry, land availability, monitoring ash dieback, producer groups and COFORD in November.

He said: “The current blanket ban on planting is ridiculous. Obviously we must protect the hen harrier but not in a lazy overall blanket ban on forestry.” Read the full interview here.