Our AGM was a great success !!
We had a huge turnout which we would like to thank all those who attended , especially on such a cold night. Our wonderful speakers gave some interesting information regarding current and upcoming collaborations between us as a group and UCD, CULTIVATE and the local Credit Unions. Jim Scully Chairman of Fingal Farmers Group chaired the AGM
Mr Joe Healy Chairperson of the Board of the Agri Food Regulator and Chairman of CULTIVATE agri finance. Joe spoke on 2 topics on the night, the first being CULTIVATE LOANS where Cultivate is an initiative of a group of Credit Unions that provides short to medium term loan opportunities built specifically around the growing needs of our farming members.
Joe spoke about his new Role on the board of the Agri Food Regulator in which they will focus on promoting fairness and transparency in business-to-business relationships along agri-food supply chain through active engagement with stakeholders including primary producers (farmers and fishers), processors, downstream businesses and retailers in addition to representative bodies of the various sectors.
Professor Lisa Ryan, Sustainability Programme Director, UCD. Lisa spoke about our groups relationship with UCD. Lisa spoke about the partnership to date, sustainability in relation to agriculture and rural communities, as well as the learning experience for UCD students. Lisa also answered some questions on the night.
Mr Sean Staunton (Balbriggan Credit Union, Ms Edel Phillips(Membersfirst Credit Union) and Mr Michael Cunningham (Ashbourne Credit Union). Sean , Edel and Michael kindly spoke about what they can offer local farmers and confirmed that they would be very much open to speaking to /doing business with our members. Each credit unions covers certain areas so just find out where your local branch is and make pop in if you wish to speak to any of the staff.
Laurence Ward spoke about the urgent need for a Crime Prevention public meeting to discuss the ongoing issues farmers are having with trespassers and the possible dangerous outcomes. An informal raise of hands was taken to see if people would attend and the majority of members agreed this would be hugely important. We will advise everyone of the time and place asap.
Padraic Mc Mahon Padraic spoke about this years Flavours of Fingal Show. The importance of members participation be it competing or helping out on the day.
Again thank you to all our speakers and members who attended. We hope next years meeting will be as successful
