AgriSearch has today (Thursday, March 13) announced that it is seeking applications for two independent trustees to join its board.
The Northern Ireland Agricultural Research and Development Council is an independent charity incorporated as a company limited by guarantee.
Established in 1997, AgriSearch was formed to help dairy, beef and sheep farmers become directly involved with production-oriented research.
The funds contributed by farmers to through a voluntary levy collected by dairy and red meat processors are used to commission research seeking to improve and develop beef, sheep and dairy farming in Northern Ireland.
AgriSearch
AgriSearch said that the applicants for the positions should not be involved in livestock farming full-time or currently employed in the processing sector.
They should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in the Northern Ireland agri-food sector, the challenges it faces and the role that science can play in addressing these.
Previous board or senior management experience in the agricultural or voluntary sectors is desirable.
Professor Gerry Boyle, AgriSearch chair explained that trustees have “considerable influence over the strategy of the organisation and play an important role in its effectiveness”.
“The trustees are responsible for ensuring that the organisation operates according to its constitution and that the financial management of the organisation is sound.
“Independent trustees should be willing to serve as chair or vice-chair of the board of trustees,” he said.
“In recent years AgriSearch’s role has grown from mainly being a co-funder of research to taking a much more active role in leading projects and acting as a liaison between researchers, advisors and the industry.
“It also has a key role in articulating the research and innovation needs of beef, sheep and dairy farmers.
“It now has a pivotal role within the research and knowledge exchange functions for Northern Ireland’s ruminant livestock sector,” Boyle added.
The role which is voluntary, will be for an initial three-year term and travelling expenses will be paid to attend meetings throughout the year.
