I was brought up on a family farm and, having worked in the agriculture industry for over a decade, I have a natural passion for and interest in agriculture and informing the public about the importance of agriculture.

I am the Commercial and Membership Director of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, the largest voluntary organisation representing farmers and growers in Northern Ireland, dedicated to promoting their interests through professional lobbying, policy advocacy, and support for a vibrant and sustainable rural economy. In this role I am the strategic lead for commercial, membership, events and technical functions at UFU. The events in this portfolio are aimed at various stakeholders and include educational events for the public and schools. I have also held many trustee positions within the agriculture industry, including the Board Chair for the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), a member-led organisation which develops rural youth aged 14-30 years to realise their potential through competitions, development and training opportunities.

Consequently, I have a vast amount of knowledge about the agriculture industry and I am looking to undertake this Fellowship to search for innovative strategies and ideas on how engagement between the agriculture industry and the public and schools can be improved.