Teagasc announced the appointment this Wednesday.

Chair of Teagasc Dr Noel Cawley welcomed Kennedy to the role and said he “brings a wealth of farming experience and a track record of leadership in both farming and agribusiness, and in community development”.

Kennedy take over the role from former IFA deputy president Tim O’Leary.

Dr Cawley thanked O’Leary for his input during his term on the board “as he encouraged the organisation to continue to develop and assist Irish farming to be competitive and profitable so as to return a viable living for farm families”.

Kennedy runs a dairy farm in Co Limerick with his wife and son and was recently elected as deputy president of the IFA.

Top priorities

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, he said some of his top priorities included improving training and ensuring quick knowledge transfer to farmers.

“We are farming in a global world so a big challenge ahead will be knowledge transfer, especially for young farmers. I think knowledge transfer will be more important now than in the past.

“Training is critical for all, but particularly young farmers, and that needs to be improved.”

The IFA deputy added that he wanted to ensure Teagasc conducts research that is relevant to farmers given the current challenges in the sector.

With regards to the salary attached to his new Teagasc position, Kennedy said he was unaware of the figure and that he “really wasn’t in it for the money”.

He also said he would be willing to give his salary to the IFA.

“Given the recent controversy, whatever is agreed, I’ll abide by IFA regulations.”

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