‘FBD Trust is celebrating 50 years, with €70m paid out in philanthropic support’

‘You know I had only five minutes notice for this speech so that means I’ll only keep you 20 minutes,” quipped Hugh Ryan, at the launch of Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns Grow, a book on the contribution of FBD Trust to Irish agriculture. Acknowledging that it all started with Macra, the accomplished orator followed with an eloquent speech that referenced Macra, NFA, IFA, FBD Insurance, FBD Trust and Farmer Business Developments.

FBD’s two founding fathers were Paddy O’Keeffe and Brian Collivet. I knew Paddy well and Tim and I remember with nostalgia our get-togethers with him.

A man of vision, he was always concerned with the direction of agricultural leadership, science and research. The communications and work done by Paddy and Pat Dillon, director of research, Teagasc Moorepark would merit another book.

Hugh’s job was to launch the book compiled by Michael Miley who worked in journalism and communications for over 50 years and was “dragged out of retirement for the task”. Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns Grow, charts the growth of farm families and rural communities over 50 years, from 1975-2025.

During the launch, Hugh referred to the FBD logo – the oak tree. He mused that the shamrock might now be a more fitting emblem for the three entities of FBD on a strong stem.

Many speakers referred to the FBD family – the three are managed separately but inextricably intertwined. Michael Berkery, chairman of FBD Trust who succeeded Paddy O’Keeffe, received praise, along with his board, for their trojan work and support of agriculture, science, innovation and young people in farming. The input into the sector has totalled €70m. There were so many speeches that served to explore and commend the work of FBD Trust.

During the launch, Hugh referred to the FBD logo – the oak tree. He mused that the shamrock might now be a more fitting emblem for the three entities of FBD on a strong stem

All were fulsome in their praise for and acknowledgment of the real difference the various initiatives have made to the advancement of agriculture.

Whistletop tour

Michael Miley table-surfed, talking to the people and organisation leaders that benefitted financially from FBD Trust. In order for sponsorship to be given, the idea/project has to have vision and be interrogated for its benefits to agriculture and, ultimately, the profitability of farming families.

One of the first projects supported was the introduction of grass measurement that has culminated with Teagasc’s Pasture Base Ireland with 7,000 farmers using the tool today. The trust also provided funds to ICBF for the advancement of genetic research and making the data available to farmers.

Educational support has been to the forefront for young agricultural students, Nuffield scholars and competitions that encourage the best farmers, researchers and scientists to shine.

Close to my heart has been the support for the Women & Agriculture conference and more recently, Dairy Women Ireland.

The book is beautifully written and illustrated, an ideal table top book to dip in and out of. It shows just how much the trust has contributed to farmer initiatives, rural communities, education and scientific advancements, as well as the built environment at UCD and Moorepark.

This year, the new research centre for sustainable animal and grassland research at Teagasc, Moorepark got underway with funding from FBD Trust of €6m. It will be named after the late Padraig Walshe.

There has also been charitable involvement at home and abroad. I have only touched on the work of FBD Trust here. This type of sponsorship allows organisations like Teagasc and ICBF to remain independent of commercial influence.

This is vital for us as farmers. Measuring grass, accessing data, learning from research and following the science is how we farm sustainably in the pursuit of profit.