Recent research shows that 55% of the Irish public have no connection to farming, head of communications at Bord Bia Roz O’Shaughnessy has said.

“We have a significant percentage of the population who don’t instinctively understand the world that we work in, the world we operate in, the complexities of our sector and the reasons we do things the way we do,” she told the Dairy Women Ireland conference in Co Cork on Friday.

Those at the conference were also told that Bord Bia research carried out recently found that 82% of the Irish public have never heard of the nitrates derogation.

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“That’s not criticism, that’s just the reality that we need to consider when we are talking about the issues facing our sector,” O’Shaughnessy added.

Advocates

National Dairy Council (NDC) CEO Emma Walls outlined the role of the NDC in promoting Ireland's dairy sector and encouraged everyone in the room to be advocates for dairy farming and promote the industry among their own communities.

Dairy Women Ireland held its fourth annual conference at the Charleville Park Hotel, Co Cork, the theme of which was ‘Building success, breaking barriers’.

In her opening address, current president Mary Kingston outlined the 20% increase in membership seen by Dairy Women Ireland this year and the importance of promoting women in the sector.

“We need to realise that we have a very important role in facilitating how women see their selves in agriculture and how the rest of the industry appreciates and supports us. Our aim is to provide an opportunity to network, relax and celebrate the success of the year.”