Bridging the generational gap in farming to secure the future of Ireland’s food production model will be among the key issues discussed when senior agricultural leaders gather for the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) Annual Conference at the Killashee Hotel, Naas, on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD will join figures from across Ireland’s agri sector, including Conor Galvin, CEO of Ornua, and Paul Nolan, Group Development Manager at Dawn Meats, alongside representatives from industry, research and policy.
With just 4.5% of Irish farmers under 35 years of age, generational renewal will be one of the key themes of the conference. Barry Cowen MEP will provide an overview of the latest developments on generational renewal under the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), before joining IFA President Francie Gorman, Macra President Josephine O’Neill, Paul Nolan of Dawn Meats and Dr Fiona Williams of Harper Adams University for a panel discussion chaired by Dr Brian Leonard of UCD.
ASA President Dale Crammond said: “Generational renewal is critical to the future of Irish farming. We need to ensure that the sector remains strong and viable for those already farming while giving the next generation the confidence to see a future in it.”
Sponsored by FBD Insurance, the event will also explore Ireland’s strengths as a food-producing nation, with speakers including John Murray, Director of Meat, Food and Beverages at Bord Bia, Jennifer Babcock, Chief Government and International Affairs Officer at the Canadian Cattle Association, and Paul McGillicuddy, CEO of The Malting Company.
Water quality, climate and biodiversity will be among the other key challenges examined, with contributions from Thomas Ryan of Tirlán and Bill Callanan, Chief Inspector at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The programme will feature a fireside chat with Tara McCarthy, Global Vice President of ESG at Alltech, hosted by Damien O’Reilly of ICOS.
Dale Crammond said: “There are no easy answers to all of these challenges, but by bringing people together to share ideas and highlight positive developments, we hope to contribute to the discussion and help shape the future of Irish agriculture. We look forward to welcoming colleagues from across the sector to Killashee in September.”
The ASA’s annual black-tie banquet will follow the conference, with Ireland rugby star Tadhg Furlong confirmed as a special guest for the evening.
