A number of political heavyweights – including an MEP and two former ministers – will join some high-profile speakers during two panel discussions on Irish agriculture which are set to take place later this week.

The panel discussions will form two halves of the “Hogan Agricultural Seminar”, which is being organised in webinar form by the Young Fine Gael (YFG) Agriculture, Rural and Environmental Affairs Committee.

According to the committee, this seminar’s theme will be: “Agriculture and the Environment – Rather than being the problem, let’s be the solution.”

The committee claims that, as a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Agricultural and Rural Development, Markey “has expressed a wish to hear the voice of Young Fine Gael as the representatives of young and progressive farmers, agri-environmentalists, rural dwellers and also future policy makers”.

Moderated by YFG’s agri committee chairman, UCD agricultural science student Shane Dolphin, the Zoom webinar will be held over two consecutive evenings on Thursday and Friday evening (February 25 and 26) from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

According to the organising committee, these Zoom events “will involve discussions, questions and debates with the politicians, policy makers, farmer representatives, researchers, academics and active farmers”.

Organisers state that:

“The mission is a joint approach to create a strong and efficient Irish agricultural industry that is environmentally and financially sustainable into the future.

Open to the public, groups invited to attend these panel discussions include third level agricultural science students, Macra na Feirme members, IFA members, agricultural journalists and industry stakeholders.

“All questions and discussion points for the panellists must be sent in advance to [email protected],” the committee says.

Further details can be obtained from YFG agriculture committee.