Dr Edel Kelly has been appointed as IFA economist, the organisation has announced.

Dr Kelly, who is from a farming background in Galway, will take up the role on 18 June.

She is currently a lecturer/assistant professor of economics at UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, working in the agri business and rural development division.

She will retain academic links with UCD for the 2018/2019 academic year.

Dr Kelly has previously worked with Teagasc on an EU-funded research project looking at measuring sustainability at farm level and on a Safefood-funded project in UCC looking at trust in the value chain during a food crisis.

Dr Kelly said: “Given the association’s role in defending farmers against the twin challenges of Brexit and CAP reform, I look forward to using existing research from our Irish institutes to articulate on behalf of farmers and to reinforce agriculture’s important place within the Irish economy.

“I hope that my work will help to support and secure a sustainable position for Irish farmers and their families.”