The Guild of Agricultural Journalists hosted the biennial Michael Dillon Memorial Lecture in the grand setting of The K Club, Co. Kildare on November 24,2023.

The special guest speaker to deliver the lecture was former chair of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists, European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness.

The event, which was supported by Kerry Group, was well attended by AgriGuild members who had the opportunity to hear the commissioner recall her memories of Michael Dillon, the importance of agriculture now more than ever, and how she felt confident that Ireland would retain its nitrates derogation status.

McGuinness also referenced how important exports are for Ireland as an economic nation and the significance of ensuring it is on a sustainable basis both financially and environmentally.

She mentioned European soils and their degraded state during her lecture and outlined to those in attendance the enhanced gravitas agriculture now holds in the European Commission compared to times past.

Chair of the southern Guild of Agricultural Journalists, Stella Meehan welcomed guests to prestigious event and referenced the theme of ‘The Business of Agriculture’ during her address.

She explained that the ‘business of agriculture’ has never been as important as we strive to ensure food security across the world but also continue to support our rural areas and livelihoods.

Former IFAJ delegate Damien O’Reilly also addressed the gathering and participated in a questions and answers session with the commissioner. President of the All-Ireland Guild of Agricultural Journalists, Matt O’Keeffe and chair of Kerry Group, Tom Moran also addressed the event.