Agri-Food Regulator
Inaugural Conference
Date: 20th May 2025
Location: ​The Johnstown Estate, Johnstown, Enfield, Co. Meath, A83 V070, Ireland
SPEAKERS
Bernie Coyne
Managing Director
Coyne Research
Bernie is the founder of Coyne Research, established in 2012, with over 30 years of experience in market research. Formerly Managing Director at Amárach Research and Founder of Research Solutions, she has led projects across sectors including Financial Services, Telecoms, FMCG, Healthcare, and Government. A Chartered Director since 2013, Bernie holds qualifications in education and marketing, and is known for her deep expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including global research initiatives.
Conor Kilduff
Executive Director
Love Irish Food
A highly experienced business, marketing, and sales professional with over 35 years in the grocery and consumer goods industries. Conor has focused on brand and strategic development throughout his career having previously worked as the Sales & Marketing Director at Keelings Retail UC, overseeing and driving significant growth and brand creation. His earlier career at Unilever spanned 24 years, including roles as Managing Director and VP of Customer Development for Unilever Ireland.
Mark White
Groceries Code Adjudicator, UK
Mark White, appointed Groceries Code Adjudicator in 2020, is a solicitor with extensive international experience in legal, governance, and compliance. He ensures fair trading practices between supermarkets and suppliers, drawing on a strong background across complex organisations. Mark has led key surveys and reviews within the agri-food sector, addressing supplier concerns and promoting transparency. His work supports a more balanced and ethical supply chain, and he plays a vital role in safeguarding supplier interests across the UK grocery industry.
Maria Dunne,
Assistant Secretary General
Department of Agriculture,
Food and the Marine
Maria Dunne was appointed Assistant Secretary General at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in September 2024, with responsibility for Agri-Food Sectoral Policy and Strategy. She previously led Meat and Dairy Policy (2017–2024) and served as Agricultural Counsellor at the Irish Embassy in Russia (2013–2017). Earlier, she worked on cross-border trade at the North South Ministerial Council. A civil servant since 1998, Maria holds a BSc in Social Science and a Masters in Public Administration, both with First Class Honours.
Dr Karen Lynch Shally
Assistant Professor of Law
Maynooth University
Dr. Karen Lynch Shally is Assistant Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Centre for European Law at Maynooth University. Her research focuses on regulation in national and EU contexts, particularly the interplay between private and public law in enforcement and supervision. She has led projects on food supply chains, financial services, and litigation funding, and contributed to multiple European Law Institute initiatives. Karen also co-secured funding for research into contract law’s role in supporting food security and supply chain diversity.
Niamh Brennan
Senior Policy Executive
Irish Farmers Association
Niamh Brennan is a Senior Policy Executive in the Irish Farmers Association. A graduate of agricultural science in University College Dublin in 2017 and she subsequently completed a master’s in agriculture extension from UCD in 2020. She served as a member of the Agricultural Science Association Council. Niamh has worked in the IFA since graduating in 2017 and currently heads up Horticulture policy in IFA with a particular focus of strengthening the position of farmers in the supply chain. She sits on the Horticulture Industry Forum and regularly attends COPA COGECA working party meeting in Brussels covering horticulture policy development.
Niamh Lenehan
CEO
An Rialálaí Agraibhia
Joe Healy
Chair of the Board
An Rialálaí Agraibhia
Joe Healy is a dairy and cattle farmer from Athenry and former National President of both Macra na Feirme (1995–1997) and the IFA (2016–2020). He also served as 1st Vice President of COPA, chairing its Food Chain Committee. Currently, he chairs Cultivate (Credit Unions Agri Finance) and serves on the boards of Self Help Africa, Gurteen Agricultural College, and the European Economic and Social Committee.
Niamh Lenehan, became CEO of An Rialálaí Agriabhia (Agri-Food Regulator) in December 2023. She previously worked with the Insolvency Service of Ireland and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). Niamh holds a doctoral degree in education from Maynooth University, an Honours Bachelor’s in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin, and a Master’s from Kansas State University. She also has a professional certificate in Corporate Governance from the Institute of Public Administration.
Patricia Reilly
Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission
Patricia Reilly is a UCD-trained veterinarian who began her career in mixed practice before joining Ireland’s Department of Agriculture in 2001. She has held senior roles in Brussels, including Deputy Head of Cabinet to Commissioner Navracsics and now serves in President von der Leyen’s cabinet, overseeing agriculture, health, animal welfare, and equality. Patricia has also served as Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer and Agricultural Attaché to Poland. She holds multiple postgraduate qualifications in food regulation, public administration, and law.
Kevin Hanrahan
Head of Rural Economy Development Programme
Teagasc
Dr Kevin Hanrahan is Head of Teagasc’s Rural Economy Development Programme. Kevin studied economics at Trinity College Dublin and has a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri, USA. Kevin’s research is mainly focused on the development and use of partial equilibrium models of Irish and EU agriculture and their use in the analysis of the impact of changes in policy. These modelling systems (FAPRI-Ireland & AGMEMOD) have been used to analyse issues arising in in agricultural, environmental and agricultural trade policy.
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MC: Jonathan Healy
Broadcaster and Communications Consultant
Healy Communications
Jonathan Healy is an experienced Irish broadcaster and event MC with over 25 years in media, including Newstalk, Sky News, and RTÉ. A skilled interviewer and communicator, he brings energy, professionalism, and deep industry insight to every event. Founder of Healy Communications, he helps businesses tell compelling stories. With strong links across media, politics, and business, Jonathan is also a seasoned voice-over artist and committed charity board member, known for his engaging presence and polished delivery.
The conference is free to attend but attendees must register to secure their seat.