Head of agriculture with AIB Tadhg Buckley is to take up the role with the IFA.

The IFA announced the appointment of Tadhg Buckley as its new director of policy and chief economist.

From a farming background, Buckley holds a degree in agricultural science from University College Dublin as well as a master's of business administration (MBA) from University of Limerick.

Buckley also completed a Nuffield scholarship, is a member of the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) and is a qualified financial advisor.

Role

He will take up the chief economist role after the vacancy left following the departure of Edel Kelly from the organisation. The director of policy is a new role within the IFA.

IFA director general Damian McDonald welcomed Buckley to the association saying: “This is a very important new role in the association. Tadhg is passionate about Irish agriculture. I believe that, working with our policy team, he will do a great job for the IFA and for Irish farmers.”

IFA president Tim Cullinan said in a hugely challenging time for Irish farming, the IFA was delighted that some of Buckley’s calibre had joined.

Policy

“I am really looking forward to joining the IFA at what is a pivotal time for Irish farmers,” Buckley said.

“IFA has always had a central role in policy development in Irish agriculture and my ambition is to further enhance this position.”

He will take up his role on 14 December following a notice period with AIB.

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