Ceres, a new network of women in agribusiness, will hold its inaugural conference in Dublin on Friday 10 November. Ceres, named after the Roman goddess of agriculture and growth, was founded by 10 leading female professionals from diverse backgrounds within the sector, including academia, consulting and agribusiness.

They include management consultant Karen Brosnan from Appian Point, Mary Delaney of Glanbia Agribusiness, Grainne Dwyer and Finola McCoy of Animal Health Ireland, UCD lecturers Monica Gorman, Bridget Lynch and Karina Pierce, Roberta McDonald of Aurivo, Amii McKeever of Glanbia Connect and the ASA, and Deirdre O’Shea of Agri Aware.

Their aim is to develop and promote leadership and diverse thinking within the industry.

Entitled “Shaping the Vision for Ireland’s Agri-Food Sector 2030,” the Ceres conference at the Convention Centre in Dublin is open to all.

The event will be opened by FBD CEO Fiona Muldoon, with the first session focusing on providing safe and nutritious food for 2030. Speakers will include Pamela Byrne, CEO, Food Safety Authority Ireland, Michael Hoey, MD, Country Crest, Darina Allen, founder, Ballymaloe Cookery School and Doreen Corridan, veterinary consultant, Munster AI.

The second session will address trading globally for 2030 and feature speakers Sinead McPhillips, head of agri food policy and strategy development with the Department of Agriculture, Maeve Whyte, NFU director, Brussels, Helen King, Bord Bia’s director of consumer insights and Lucinda Creighton, chief executive of Vulcan Consulting.

Tickets, including lunch, cost €25 from www.eventbrite.ie.

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