The theme for the event was ‘The Future of Food’ and the topics of food security and sustainability dominated the keynote and panel discussion.
Delivering his keynote address, Jack Bobo, CEO Futurity said: “The crisis in Ukraine reminds us that global food trade relies on a relatively small number of countries for the bulk of grain and oil seed exports. Disruptions in one or two countries can have a rippling effect in dozens of other countries and extend beyond the products initially blocked.
Countries can reduce their risk to disruption by producing domestically where it makes sense and diversifying the source and type of imports where possible. Countries should also avoid export bans and other measures that constrain supplies in times of crisis as this creates artificial scarcity, increases costs and exacerbates supply disruptions, further undermining supply chains in times of crisis.”
The keynote was followed by a panel discussion, moderated by RTE’s Audrey Carville, featuring Jack Bobo; Grace Binchy, Trends & Insights Specialist, Bord Bia; and Juan Aguiriano, Head of Sustainability at Kerry Group.
In her opening remarks, Amy Forde, Southern Chair of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists said: “When we planned this event earlier this year our focus was on the future of food in the context of the growing world population and pressures this will put on producing enough food to feed the world sustainably. That was before Russia invaded Ukraine, resulting in a war which has caused death and destruction and turned global supply chains and world markets on their heads. This event always provides an important platform to discuss and debate the issues most pressing to our agriculture industry, and I believe that tonight will be no exception.”
The Michael Dillon lecture is a biennial event, hosted in honour of the late Michael Dillon, one of Ireland’s foremost agricultural journalists and broadcasters and a founding member of the Irish Guild of Agricultural Journalists. Previous speakers include Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, former European Commissioners Phil Hogan, Ray McSharry and Peter Sutherland (RIP). For further information visit www.agriguild.ie