'Great honour' for Carlow man on appointment to agri science body

A CARLOW man has been announced as the new president of the Agricultural Science Association (ASA), the professional body for graduates in the agri-food sector.

Dr William Minchin, who is also CEO of The Agricultural Trust, which publishes The Irish Farmers Journal, was announced as the new president at the ASA’s annual conference in the Killashee Hotel, Naas recently.

Previously a ruminant business director with MSD, Dr Minchin graduated from UCD in 2005 with a degree in agricultural science and completed a PhD in animal science at Teagasc Moorepark in 2008.

A part-time suckler farmer with a keen interest in sport, Dr Minchin said the election was a “great honour,” having previously served on the council of the ASA.

“I have always been conscious of the value the ASA brings to the sector in representing its membership and I look forward to getting my teeth into some of the key issues for our members and the wider agricultural sector,” Dr Minchin said.

He also said he wants the association to make a “meaningful contribution” to the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the coming months, while adding value to the water quality debate and other key issues for the sector.

“I also want to grow our membership through new benefits and host a network of events and initiatives that add value to the day-to-day challenges facing our members. I’d also like to focus on using science-based innovation to inspire the next generation of graduates coming through as they navigate the next ten years of Irish agriculture,” he added.