ADB-IFAD International Conference: Harnessing Digital Technologies and Experiences to Accelerate Agricultural and Rural Development in Asia and the Pacific

Digital innovations are already contributing to solve several challenges facing agriculture and rural economy. The future potential for such technologies to promote sustainable economic growth in agriculture has also been noted by numerous development agencies and researchers.

David Butler

David Butler, Head of Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI), has over 25 years’ experience in the delivery of publicly funded developmental services and projects in the fields of agri-food, SME development, investment promotion and new market development. He is responsible for oversight and management of all SFSI operations and the technical assistance and co-operation projects that it undertakes around the world. Prior to joining SFSI, David managed the food investment promotion programme of Enterprise Ireland.

David Butler

David Butler, Head of Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI), has over 25 years’ experience in the delivery of publicly funded developmental services and projects in the fields of agri-food, SME development, investment promotion and new market development. He is responsible for oversight and management of all SFSI operations and the technical assistance and co-operation projects that it undertakes around the world. Prior to joining SFSI, David managed the food investment promotion programme of Enterprise Ireland.

Karina Pierce

Karina graduated with a BAgrSc in 2001 and completed her PhD in 2005, both from UCD. She is Professor of Dairy Production, Director of External Relations and Programme Director for the BAgrSc Dairy Business Programme in the School of Agriculture and Food Science, UCD. Her research focus is on the sustainability of dairy production systems.

Lisa Phelan

Bord Bia has appointed Lisa Phelan as South East Asia Manager. Lisa joins Bord Bia’s Global Business Development team, based in Bord Bia’s Singapore office. There, she will be responsible for leading global business initiatives in the priority markets of Southeast Asia and Oceania. In her new role as South East Asia Manager, Lisa will lead on regional customer engagement and working cross-functionally with colleagues to design and execute Bord Bia’s strategy across Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Paul Maher

Paul Maher has been appointed as the new Head of International Relations and Corporate Strategy in Teagasc. The appointment was approved by the Teagasc Authority at its meeting on Wednesday, 3 March. He takes over from Dr Lance O’Brien who retires in April having served in Teagasc for over 40 years in a range of strategic planning and developmental roles.

Paul Maher

Paul Maher has been appointed as the new Head of International Relations and Corporate Strategy in Teagasc. The appointment was approved by the Teagasc Authority at its meeting on Wednesday, 3 March. He takes over from Dr Lance O’Brien who retires in April having served in Teagasc for over 40 years in a range of strategic planning and developmental roles.