Teagasc has appointed Paul Maher as its new head of International Relations and Corporate Strategy.
The appointment was approved by the Teagasc Authority at its meeting on Wednesday, March 3. He takes over from Dr. Lance O’Brien who retires in April, having served in Teagasc for over 40 years.
Over the last 10 years, Paul Maher has been involved in the strategic development and modernisation of the Teagasc advisory and life-long learning programmes in his role as Assistant Director of Knowledge Transfer.
Paul Maher
He also worked in Ireland and New Zealand in commercial and agri-extension roles. He is a graduate of UCD with a Bachelor and Masters in Agricultural Science and also holds a post graduate qualification in business studies from WIT.
Meeting challenges faced by farmers
Teagasc chairman, Liam Herlihy congratulated Paul Maher on his appointment saying:
“Paul has extensive knowledge and experience of the Irish and European Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) as well as the wider activity of Teagasc.
This will help him guide the organisation towards the strategic changes required to meet the challenges facing farmers and the agri-food sector and I wish him well in his role in the future.
“I would like to thank Dr. Lance O Brien for his contribution to Teagasc, in numerous roles, over a long career with the organisation.”
Paul Maher said: “I am passionate about the development of agriculture as the anchor point for a vibrant economy and the positive contribution that rural communities make to society.
“I look forward to guiding Teagasc to successfully transition the agri-food sector towards a sustainable food system within Ireland as well as making a substantial contribution at European and International level.”