Agri Aware welcomes two new board members

Charles Smith and Teddy Cashman elected to Agri Aware board

Agri Aware, the independent Irish agri-food educational body, is delighted to welcome Teddy Cashman and Charles Smith to its board of directors.

Teddy Cashman

Charles Smith

Teddy a dairy farmer hailing from County Cork joins the board on behalf of IFAC. Teddy has been involved in the sector for many years, serving as current Chairman of the National Dairy Council, a board member of IFAC accountants and he also served as former Liquid Milk Chairman with the Irish Farmers Association.

Commenting on his appointment to the board, Teddy said, “I am delighted to join the board of Agri Aware, the work of organisation has never been more important, as the most essential ingredient in the food chain is "trust" and helping consumers understand where their food comes from, and how it is produced will help build confidence.”
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“The many initiatives of Agri Aware help bridge the disconnect between consumers and modern agricultural practices,” he continued, “young people are the future and concentrating on them will contribute to a greater understanding of the agri-food sector by society as a whole.” 

Teddy begins his term of office alongside Charles Smith, representing Kepak/ABP. Charles has worked for over 23 years with the  Irish Angus Producer Group, the largest beef producer group in the country. Charles a dairy and beef farmer from Cavan/Meath border, also runs a successful free-range poultry business with his brother John. Commenting on his appointment Charles said “I am delighted that the patrons of Agri Aware have entrusted me to the Board of Directors and I look forward to being involved with the organisation which provides progressive innovative programmes to communicate with the public. Through my work with Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools competition over the past several years I have seen first-hand the passion for agriculture that exists within young people from agricultural and non-agricultural backgrounds and I know this experience will hold me in good steed for the role ahead”

Welcoming the new members to the board, Agri Aware Executive Director Deirdre O’Shea said the individuals bring a wealth of experience which will further strengthen the work of the organisation.
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“Firstly, I would like to sincerely thank all patron members and candidates for their participation in Agri Aware’s recent patron election. I would like to congratulate Charles Smith (ABP and Kepak) and Teddy Cashman (IFAC) on their election as the new patron elected members following a keenly fought election. I look forward to working with the two new representatives who will be instrumental in helping us to promote the image and understanding of agriculture and the agri-food industry across Ireland. I also want to acknowledge the two outgoing representatives, Dr Edmond Harty (Dairymaster) and Mr Tom Cunniffe (Aurivo Co-op) for their commitment to Agri Aware over the past number of years.”

Ms. O’Shea said she was looking forward to a fresh outlook from the new members in advancing Agri Aware’s programmes.