Dr Vanessa Woods, the current chief executive, announced earlier this year that she would be leaving the organisation to take up a role at Devenish Nutrition.

Deirdre is currently covering the role of the IFA pigs committee executive and was previously executive of the forestry committee within the farming organisation.

Her four years at the IFA have also included working on the review into the internal governance structures at the lobby group.

Hailing from a family pig farm in Arles, Co Laois, prior to joining the IFA, Deirdre spent a year working as the agri strategy manager at Ulster Bank.

Joining the team

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal this week, Deirdre said she is looking forward to taking up her new post in November. “I studied human nutrition at UCD and I’m looking forward to bringing this experience to my new role. It’s important to build relationships with everyone. We have a team of more than 70 people at Agri Aware and it will be great to work with everyone.”

Agri Aware is tasked with improving and educating members of the public on the agriculture, farming and food industries through initiatives and projects, such as the Family Farm at Dublin Zoo.

The Dublin Zoo Family Farm is a joint initiative between Agri Aware and the Zoo, which aims to represent the world of farming to visitors. The interactive exhibition features live animals and teaches visitors about various farm animals, the origins of food and the history of Ireland’s agricultural history.

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