Ireland is set to host the 2026 Nuffield Agri-Summit at Killashee House Hotel on Friday 22 May, which is expected to focus on shaping global debate and action on food security.
Nuffield Ireland is a part of the wider Nuffield International network, which consists of over 1,700 scholars from 16 countries across the world with the aim of promoting positive change and leadership in agriculture, farming and food.
This event plans to bring together a global cohort of Nuffield scholars, as well as many senior figures from agribusiness, policy and economics.
The summit is the main focal point of the 14th Nuffield triennial hosted by Nuffield Ireland, which is a nine-day study tour for Irish and international Nuffield alumni around the island of Ireland to visit more than 30 dairy, sheep and mixed farms, agribusinesses and research bodies.
Speakers
David McWilliams, internationally renowned economist, adjunct professor of global economics at Trinity College Dublin, author and podcaster, has been confirmed as the headline speaker of the event.
Some other confirmed Irish and international speakers include Simon Coveney, former Tánaiste, former minster for agriculture and minister for foreign affairs; Ksenija Simovic, senior policy adviser, Copa-Cogeca, Brussels; Marie Donnelly, chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council; and professor Rogier Schulte, chair of future farming and food systems at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
The event is set to include a gala banquet featuring the fourth earl of Iveagh Edward Guinness in conversation with broadcaster Seán O’Rourke. Edward Guinness is a significant figure in the agricultural sector, particularly in the area of regenerative farming.
Defining moment
Speaking on the event, newly appointed chair of Nuffield Ireland and Ireland’s first ever female Nuffield scholar Gráinne Dwyer said: “Hosting the agri summit is a defining moment for Ireland.
"As a small nation with a global agricultural footprint, we sit at the intersection of innovation, responsibility and opportunity.
"This summit will confront the toughest questions facing modern agriculture with voices that challenge convention and demand serious reflection. Expect rigorous debate, uncomfortable truths and a speaker line-up that goes beyond the usual agri circuit.
"Our agri summit is designed to test assumptions and sharpen leadership thinking, to forge together a sustainable path for global agriculture in an uncertain world.”
The event is sponsored by FBD Trust, with its chair Michael Berkery stating: “As founder investor of Nuffield Ireland, we are delighted and proud to sponsor the 2026 Nuffield Agri-Summit, a groundbreaking event in Ireland’s agricultural calendar.”
Issues to be addressed
The main theme of the summit is 'Feed the world – our responsibility?', which will examine urgent and complex pressures facing global food systems including:
The responsibilities of food-producing nations.The balance between domestic sustainability targets and global needs and obligations.The role of multinational agri food corporates.How geopolitics is reshaping agri-food, as food security is increasingly recognised as integral to national and global security.The impact of managing geoeconomic risks such as migration, labour markets and demand patterns.Tickets for the 2026 Nuffield Agri-Summit, including the gala banquet, are €175 and are expected to sell quickly. To register your place, visit www.nuffield2026.com.
Ireland is set to host the 2026 Nuffield Agri-Summit at Killashee House Hotel on Friday 22 May, which is expected to focus on shaping global debate and action on food security.
Nuffield Ireland is a part of the wider Nuffield International network, which consists of over 1,700 scholars from 16 countries across the world with the aim of promoting positive change and leadership in agriculture, farming and food.
This event plans to bring together a global cohort of Nuffield scholars, as well as many senior figures from agribusiness, policy and economics.
The summit is the main focal point of the 14th Nuffield triennial hosted by Nuffield Ireland, which is a nine-day study tour for Irish and international Nuffield alumni around the island of Ireland to visit more than 30 dairy, sheep and mixed farms, agribusinesses and research bodies.
Speakers
David McWilliams, internationally renowned economist, adjunct professor of global economics at Trinity College Dublin, author and podcaster, has been confirmed as the headline speaker of the event.
Some other confirmed Irish and international speakers include Simon Coveney, former Tánaiste, former minster for agriculture and minister for foreign affairs; Ksenija Simovic, senior policy adviser, Copa-Cogeca, Brussels; Marie Donnelly, chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council; and professor Rogier Schulte, chair of future farming and food systems at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
The event is set to include a gala banquet featuring the fourth earl of Iveagh Edward Guinness in conversation with broadcaster Seán O’Rourke. Edward Guinness is a significant figure in the agricultural sector, particularly in the area of regenerative farming.
Defining moment
Speaking on the event, newly appointed chair of Nuffield Ireland and Ireland’s first ever female Nuffield scholar Gráinne Dwyer said: “Hosting the agri summit is a defining moment for Ireland.
"As a small nation with a global agricultural footprint, we sit at the intersection of innovation, responsibility and opportunity.
"This summit will confront the toughest questions facing modern agriculture with voices that challenge convention and demand serious reflection. Expect rigorous debate, uncomfortable truths and a speaker line-up that goes beyond the usual agri circuit.
"Our agri summit is designed to test assumptions and sharpen leadership thinking, to forge together a sustainable path for global agriculture in an uncertain world.”
The event is sponsored by FBD Trust, with its chair Michael Berkery stating: “As founder investor of Nuffield Ireland, we are delighted and proud to sponsor the 2026 Nuffield Agri-Summit, a groundbreaking event in Ireland’s agricultural calendar.”
Issues to be addressed
The main theme of the summit is 'Feed the world – our responsibility?', which will examine urgent and complex pressures facing global food systems including:
The responsibilities of food-producing nations.The balance between domestic sustainability targets and global needs and obligations.The role of multinational agri food corporates.How geopolitics is reshaping agri-food, as food security is increasingly recognised as integral to national and global security.The impact of managing geoeconomic risks such as migration, labour markets and demand patterns.Tickets for the 2026 Nuffield Agri-Summit, including the gala banquet, are €175 and are expected to sell quickly. To register your place, visit www.nuffield2026.com.
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