Search is on for rural leaders of tomorrow
The search for tomorrow’s community leaders has well and truly begun, with applications now open for the 2018 Macra na Feirme / ABP Leaders of the Year Awards.
The Leaders of the Year programme aims to recognise Macra na Feirme members who have demonstrated “excellent leadership qualities” within Macra na Feirme and the wider community.
The competition raises the level and standard of leadership in Macra and provides an incentive for the development of club programmes.
All winners of a County Leadership Award are eligible to win a President’s County Leadership Medal, of which there will be a maximum of 20 winners in total.
These 20 winners progress to the National Leadership Semi-Finals where three young leaders will receive a National Leadership Award from Macra na Feirme.
Along the way, participants will have the opportunity to engage with leadership development training provided by Macra Agricultural Skillnet.
Launching the Leaders of the Year Awards, Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton said: “Employers across the country consistently need leadership skills within their workforce. I am delighted to launch the Macra na Feirme ABP Leaders of the Year programme to encourage the next generation of leaders within Macra na Feirme.
The organisation has a proud tradition of leadership development in rural Ireland, and I am delighted that Skillnet Ireland, through my own department, is supporting Macra na Feirme’s Macra Agricultural Skillnet in delivering leadership training and coaching to the agri sector.
Martin Kane, managing director of ABP’s Irish operations, also spoke at the launch saying: “We are delighted to support the Macra na Feirme Leaders of the Year Awards.
“We firmly believe in the need to nurture and encourage the next generation of talented young leaders, as well as recognising their achievements.’’
Macra na Feirme national president James Healy commented: “The awards are a very significant part of the Macra calendar and I would like to thank ABP for its continued support of these awards.
“Macra na Feirme prides itself on its development of tomorrow’s leader figures and these awards play a major part in giving our members who excel the recognition and encouragement they deserve.”
Members of Macra na Feirme can apply online now for the awards by visiting the organisation’s website.
