University College Dublin (UCD) has conferred Michael Berkery with an honorary degree of doctor of science, honoris causa.
The former chief executive of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) was recognised for his leadership and his contribution to Irish agriculture, the agri-food sector and rural society.
UCD president Professor Orla Feely commented: “Michael Berkery has been a tireless champion for farmers and rural communities, a strategist whose leadership has left a profound legacy. His advocacy for science, education and innovation reflects UCD’s mission to shape a sustainable future for agriculture and society.”
Michael Berkery was awarded a UCD honorary doctorate this week. \ Chris Bellew
Presenting the citation, Professor Karina Pierce of UCD’s School of Agriculture and Food Science said: “Michael played a pivotal role in shaping agricultural policy at national and European levels during his 25 years at the helm of the IFA.
"From the introduction of milk quotas in the 1980s to key CAP reforms and WTO negotiations, Michael has been described as one of the most influential figures in Irish farming, whose strategic leadership, political judgement and negotiating skills greatly improved the livelihoods of Irish farmers.”
‘Extremely fortunate’
Accepting his honorary doctorate, Berkery, said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to UCD for this special recognition, a university with which my personal connection began in the 1960s as a research technician at Lyons Farm.
“I have been extremely fortunate that my life and career have coincided with the amazing transformation of Irish agriculture over the past 50 years.
"Moreover, I have had the privilege of a professional career as an activist in many of the national and international policy developments that have shaped Irish farming, agriculture generally, the food industry and rural society.”
IFA director general Damian McDonald; IFA president Francie Gorman; Michael Berkery; and CEO of the Agricultural Trust William Minchin at the UCD conferring ceremony.
Addressing graduates of the faculty of agriculture and food science, he added: “Your generation faces the defining challenge of balancing the world’s growing demand for food, with less inputs per unit of production, while protecting and enhancing our natural environment.
"Science, research, knowledge and technological innovation have always surmounted the challenges faced in agriculture and food production.”
Berkery currently serves as chair of the FBD Trust.
University College Dublin (UCD) has conferred Michael Berkery with an honorary degree of doctor of science, honoris causa.
The former chief executive of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) was recognised for his leadership and his contribution to Irish agriculture, the agri-food sector and rural society.
UCD president Professor Orla Feely commented: “Michael Berkery has been a tireless champion for farmers and rural communities, a strategist whose leadership has left a profound legacy. His advocacy for science, education and innovation reflects UCD’s mission to shape a sustainable future for agriculture and society.”
Michael Berkery was awarded a UCD honorary doctorate this week. \ Chris Bellew
Presenting the citation, Professor Karina Pierce of UCD’s School of Agriculture and Food Science said: “Michael played a pivotal role in shaping agricultural policy at national and European levels during his 25 years at the helm of the IFA.
"From the introduction of milk quotas in the 1980s to key CAP reforms and WTO negotiations, Michael has been described as one of the most influential figures in Irish farming, whose strategic leadership, political judgement and negotiating skills greatly improved the livelihoods of Irish farmers.”
‘Extremely fortunate’
Accepting his honorary doctorate, Berkery, said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to UCD for this special recognition, a university with which my personal connection began in the 1960s as a research technician at Lyons Farm.
“I have been extremely fortunate that my life and career have coincided with the amazing transformation of Irish agriculture over the past 50 years.
"Moreover, I have had the privilege of a professional career as an activist in many of the national and international policy developments that have shaped Irish farming, agriculture generally, the food industry and rural society.”
IFA director general Damian McDonald; IFA president Francie Gorman; Michael Berkery; and CEO of the Agricultural Trust William Minchin at the UCD conferring ceremony.
Addressing graduates of the faculty of agriculture and food science, he added: “Your generation faces the defining challenge of balancing the world’s growing demand for food, with less inputs per unit of production, while protecting and enhancing our natural environment.
"Science, research, knowledge and technological innovation have always surmounted the challenges faced in agriculture and food production.”
Berkery currently serves as chair of the FBD Trust.
SHARING OPTIONS