Agri-Food central to Ireland’s place in the world

The Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Ireland hosted the biennial Michael Dillon Memorial Lecture at The K Club last Thursday, November 20, honouring the legacy of one of Ireland’s most respected agricultural journalists and broadcasters. Supported by Kerry Group, the event drew a strong attendance from Agri Guild members.

Introduced by The Guild’s Chairperson Stella Meehan, this year’s keynote lecture was delivered by Ambassador Daniel Mulhall, former Irish Ambassador to the US, UK, Germany and Malaysia, who spoke on Ireland’s place in global trade, agriculture’s strategic importance in foreign policy, the evolving geopolitical landscape and the important role informed reliable journalism plays.

“Agriculture is integral to the foreign policy of Ireland” — Daniel Mulhall

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Mulhall emphasised the deep and longstanding link between agriculture and Ireland’s international role: “As someone who has worked on agricultural issues over the years consistently because they are integral to the foreign policy of Ireland.”

He reflected on the legacy of Michael Dillon, describing him as an unmistakable presence in Irish media: “Dan reminded attendees, “Michael Dillon’s time in journalism coincided with the transformation of Irish agriculture under the influence of the CAP and also the nascent globalisation of our economy, in particular our agriculture and food economy. He was a serious journalist that commanded great respect.”

A Changing Global Order

Ambassador Mulhall offered a wide-ranging assessment of geopolitical tensions, noting the weakening influence of international institutions and the shifting role of the United States: “The checks and balances on the behaviour of states have gone into abeyance… International law is routinely ignored because it can't be enforced.”

“The pre-eminence of the United States and Europe alliance… is now in question because America has lost the will to combine with others.”

He warned of long-term consequences for Europe: “It would be foolish to believe that the golden age of the Atlantic economy will be fully restored… Diversification for Europe needs to be the name of the game from now on.”

He commended the global reach of Irish agri-food companies: “That’s why I really admire the work of the Kerry Group — it has become an international company of scale.”

Ireland’s Defence and Security in a New Era

Addressing Ireland’s defence posture, Ambassador Mulhall argued that the war in Ukraine has reshaped Ireland’s geopolitical reality: “From an Irish point of view the war in Ukraine has become an existential problem… whether we are neutral or not, it’s an existential threat to Ireland.”

He called for a reassessment of Ireland’s defence policy: “Defence… needs to adjust to new conditions. It cannot be set in cold stone. Our defence policy has suffered from neglect.”

On future spending, he added: “You should spend as little as you can on defence, and as much as you must… we’re so out of sync with everyone else in Europe that a significant increase in defence expenditure is genuinely called for.”

Irish Agri-Food Outlook Remains Strong

During a Q&A session, Ambassador Mulhall expressed confidence in the continued success of Irish agri-food exports to the United States: “We will always do well… Irish Americans are not going to suddenly turn on us.”

“The US will always be a major market for us… but some kind of bigger effort to diversify would be a good thing.”

He noted that Ireland’s international reputation as a premium food producer remains robust: “In Germany, Britain and America… we would be seen as premium food producers.”

Mulhall also praised the strength of Ireland’s diplomatic footprint: “When I first started we had 25 diplomatic missions… now we have a hundred. There are more people abroad representing Ireland than ever before.”

Continuing the Legacy of Michael Dillon

The Michael Dillon Memorial Lecture stands as a tribute to the lasting impact of a journalist who chronicled Irish agriculture during decades of change.

The Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Ireland acknowledges the support of Kerry Group in making this year’s lecture possible. Tom Moran chairperson of Kerry Group which has sponsored the Michael Dillon memorial lecture for many years said: “The agricultural sector is one of the fundamental, most important sectors that this country has ever produced. And one thing it does need is the kind of accurate reporting that is provided by the journalists of the Agri Guild.

“Now more than ever, true journalism, in terms of facts and critical analysis, is ever so important.”