AgriSearch posts open for applications

For the position of Trustee, a person with a background in finance and/or accounting is sought with a view to the successful candidate becoming Treasurer.

The person should also have experience of corporate governance as well as a knowledge of and interest in the NI agri-food sector.

The Board of Trustees is jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. It reviews research projects recommended by the three sectoral advisory committees and acts as a custodian of the charity’s finances.

AgriSearch is also seeking to appoint Independent Farmer Representatives on its Beef and Dairy Advisory Committees.

The advisory committees play a key role in identifying research projects of potentially great practical value to producers.

Serving on an Advisory Committee involves around 3-4 meetings a year, but offers a unique insight into how scientists working with farmers can improve competitiveness in production.

Those on the committee not only influence how funds are allocated for research, but themselves learn from fellow farmers and researchers. These are roles for enthusiastic milk/beef producers interested not only in the business of running their own farm more efficiently, but in farming affairs far beyond their own townland, as AgriSearch is now involved with European consortia developing large scale Horizon 2020 projects.

Trustees and Advisory Committee members serve for three years per term of service and may be re-elected up to a maximum of three terms. There is no payment for such service but travelling expenses will be paid to attend meetings, events etc.

Information packs are available by contacting Jason Rankin on (028) 926891613 or can be downloaded from the AgriSearch website www.agrisearch.com

The deadline for applications is noon on Monday 23rd May 2016.

AgriSearch was formed in 1997 to provide a mechanism through which beef, dairy and sheep farmers could have direct involvement in production orientated research.

Funds contributed to AgriSearch are used to commission research into the improvement and development of beef, sheep and dairy farming.