Our History
In 1996, a number of leading agri-food businesses identified the need for an independent body to provide the general public with information and education on the importance of agriculture and food to the Irish economy.
As a result, Agri Aware was founded in 1996 by the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), the Irish Farmers’ Journal, FBD Trust, Bord Bia and Ornua (formerly the Irish dairy board). Agri Aware is a charitable trust that is funded by the farming and agri-food industry (see patrons for details).
To convey the importance of the agri-food industry amongst the general public, Agri Aware delivers high impact educational and public awareness initiatives and projects for students and the general public.
Our Objectives
- To improve the image of the agriculture, farming and food industries
- To promote greater awareness among the non-farming community of modern agriculture, the rural environment, animal welfare, food quality and safety
- To heighten farmer awareness of the importance of best farming practices in the protection of the environment, animal welfare and food safety
- To provide information about agriculture and food in schools nationwide to inform the non-farming community about the crucial role that the farming and agri-food industry play in the Irish economy
Our Board of Directors
Jeanne Kelly
Ornua
Laurence McNamee
Aurivo
Thomas O’Connor
Farm Representative
Joe Tobin
Dairygold
Jim Mulhall
Vice-Chairman
Karen Brosnan
Independant
Dr. Anne-Marie Butler
Teagasc
Dr. Karina Pierce
UCD
Diarmuid Creedon
INTO
Marcus O’Halloran
Executive Director
Prof. Patrick Wall
UCD
Tim O’Mahony
Origin Enterprises plc
Shay Galvin
Chairman
Charles Smith
ABP & Kepak
James Kelly
IFA
Jer Bergin
IFA
Jer Bergin is a director with Agri Aware. He is a represetative of the FBD Trust
Mike Neary
Bord Bia