Laois woman selected for prestigious scholarship

Strengthening Ireland’s domestic potato and horticulture sector to improve food security and reduce imports is set to be the focus of research by a Laois woman who is one of the 2026 recipients of the prestigious Nuffield Ireland Scholarship.

A Senior Policy Executive with the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), Niamh, from Kilcruise will be introduced at the Nuffield Ireland annual conference ‘Farming the Future - People, Purpose, Possibilities', on Friday 6 November at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.

She is one of four agri leaders to receive the Scholarship, which will commence in 2027. Her Nuffield research topic is “Securing Ireland’s indigenous horticulture and potato production: building a resilient food supply for the future”.

Niamh is rooted in agriculture, having grown up with brother Aidan and sister Eimear on a sucker farm run by her father, John Joe and mother, Catherine. Her farming background inspired her to study agriculture at third level.

A 2017 graduate of University College Dublin with a BAgSc and MSc in Agricultural Science, Niamh began working with the IFA in September that year and has since completed her Masters Degree.

During her time with the IFA, she has gained extensive experience working with farmers, industry stakeholders, Government departments and European organisations, and is actively involved in COPA-COGECA committees in Brussels.

Her work at the association gives her responsibility for horticulture, potatoes, renewable energy and equine policy. Outside of work, she has a lifelong passion for horses and all things equestrian.

She agrees that working in compiling farming policy is a niche career area for Ag Science graduates. She chose this route in college when studying the challenges faced in agriculture and the changes needed. She said developing policy is how this can be addressed, and bringing about the changes needed inspired her to pursue the job she is now in. While this can seem somewhat removed from the grassroots, Niamh believes she must stay in touch with farmers.

“Ultimately, you are still dealing with farmers and understanding their issues. That is very important rather than just working in an office and reading books. You have to deal with the people who are dealing with the issues day to day and then put words,” she said.

Niamh is one of many Laois people who have held senior roles in the IFA. She believes this may be down to the farmers seeing results

“If farmers see that it has worked in the past, people get involved it is a domino effect, and other people get involved,” she said.

Nuffield say that, through her work, Niamh has developed a strong interest in the future resilience of Irish food production. She outlined to the Leinster Express / Laois Live the focus of her research.

“My proposed Nuffield Scholarship study will examine how Ireland can strengthen its domestic potato and horticulture sector to improve food security, reduce reliance on imports and build a more resilient food supply. Drawing on my experience in agricultural policy with the IFA, I will explore how policy, investment and industry collaboration can support growers to overcome challenges such as rising production costs, labour availability, climate challenges and access to technology.

“Through international visits to growers, industry organisations, researchers and policymakers, I aim to identify practical approaches that could be adapted to the Irish context. A key focus will be how government policy and supply-chain relationships can create the conditions for sustainable grower returns, investment and increased domestic production. I hope to bring an informed, practical policy perspective back to Ireland, helping shape future discussions on horticultural development, agricultural policy and national food security,” she said.

She adds that part of her motivation is driven by the belief that the decline in horticulture needs to be stabilised and ultimately reversed. She has some ideas for measures to stimulate horticulture in counties like Laois where growing fruit and vegetables has significantly diminished.

She says capital investment is needed, with enhanced finance and grants for crops such as tomatoes. She added a vibrant market with a better return would also increase growers. Access to labour facilitated by an easy to use seasonal work permit scheme for non-EU citizens would also help believes Niamh.

Nuffield Ireland Chair, Graínne Dwyer, commented on Niamh’s scholarship.

“Niamh has spent her career working with farmers, industry and policymakers at home and in Brussels, and she understands what it takes to keep Irish food production viable. Her research into securing indigenous horticulture and potato production is both timely and important for Ireland’s food security, and we are delighted to welcome her to Nuffield Ireland,” she said.

Michael Berkery, Chair of the FBD Trust, said that as founding investor of Nuffield Ireland, FBD Trust is proud to support this year's conference as the organisation marks 30 years. He wished the Laois woman well with her research.

“The Nuffield programme provides a valuable opportunity for scholars to learn from international best practice and bring fresh perspectives back to Irish agriculture. We congratulate Niamh Brennan on receiving the Nuffield Ireland FBD Scholarship for 2027 and wish all four new scholars every success,” he said.

Niamh and the other 2027 Nuffield Ireland Scholars will present their findings at the 2028 Nuffield Ireland Conference.

The announcement of the Scholarship recipients is one aspect of what will be a busy annual conference which Nuffield said includes a diverse line-up of speakers and panellists, with delegates given the chance to hear panel discussions on ‘Producing More Than Food – Farming, Nature and the Next Generation’, and ‘Beyond the Farm Gate – Understanding Tomorrow’s Consumer’.

The event will also include a keynote discussion entitled ‘The Farm of 2050: How AI, Robotics and Data Will Reshape Agriculture’.

Confirmed speakers include Dr Catherine Farrell (Trinity College Dublin); Aisling Meehan (Aisling Meehan Agricultural Solicitor); Claire Brennan (Making Farms Work for Women); David Kerr (Dairy Farmer and Farming for Nature Ambassador); Paul Kelly, (IBEC’s Food Drink Ireland); Richard Cooper (Our Food Roots); Mandy Hennebry (Tirlán), and Dr Siobhán Jordan (Teagasc). More speakers will be confirmed in advance of the conference.

Four returning 2025 Nuffield Ireland Scholars will present their findings and recommendations in two scholar panels, each followed by an expert response and moderated discussion. Topics presented cover: agroforestry, generational renewal and diversification in the Irish sheep sector; connecting production with the people it serves across the agri-food chain; building resilience in Irish grasslands as the climate changes.

Booking and further information for the 2026 Conference & Banquet: https://ti.to/nuffield/nuffield-ireland-2026-conference-farming-the-future

Nuffield Ireland says its mission is to “discover, inspire and support people to develop their capacity, character and confidence to promote positive change and world class leadership in agriculture, food and farming”. It is part of Nuffield International, a global network which includes Nuffield organisations in eight countries.