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
Marcus O’Halloran
Executive Director
Alan Jagoe
Chairman
Jamie Leonard
Treasurer
Jamie Leonard is the Agri Aware Treasurer, Jamie represents the Irish Farmers Journal, one of our founding patrons.
Brian Rushe
Irish Farmers Association
Charles Smith
ABP & Kepak
Cormac Healy
IBEC
James Kelly
Irish Farmers' Association
Mike Neary
Bord Bia
Teddy Cashman
Vice Chairman
Our Founding Members




