UCD Confers Michael Berkery with an Honorary Doctorate of Science

Distinguished leader Michael Berkery was honoured for his vision, advocacy, and lifetime contribution to Irish agriculture
and today conferred with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science at O'Reilly Hall. The former Chief Executive of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) was recognised for his outstanding leadership and his lasting contribution to Irish agriculture, the agrifood sector, and rural society.

Agricultural leader Michael Berkery was today awarded a UCD honorary doctorate for his outstanding contributions to the agrifood sector, the UCD community and Irish society. Michael Berkery was the Irish Farmers’ Association’s (IFA) leading strategist and negotiator for over 25 years, and is still regarded as one of the most influential figures in Irish farming. He was appointed General Secretary of the Association at the age of just 35, and held the position until 2008.

Professor Orla Feely, President of UCD, commented: “Michael Berkery has been a tireless champion for farmers and rural communities, a strategist whose leadership has left a profound legacy. His advocacy for science, education and innovation reflects UCD’s mission to shape a sustainable future for agriculture and society.”

Berkery leadership extended through critical trade negotiations, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the 2001 beef blockade, and the IFA’s strategic approach to the World Trade Organisation and presenting the citation, Professor Karina Pierce of UCD’s School of Agriculture and Food Science, said:

“Michael played a pivotal role in shaping agricultural policy at National and European levels during his 25 years at the helm of the IFA. From the introduction of milk quotas in the 1980s to key CAP reforms and WTO negotiations, Michael has been described as one of the most influential figures in Irish farming, whose strategic leadership, political judgement and negotiating skills greatly improved the livelihoods of Irish farmers.”

Accepting his Honorary Doctorate, Michael Berkery, said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to UCD for this special recognition, a university with which my personal connection began in the 1960s as a research technician at Lyons Farm.”

“I have been extremely fortunate that my life and career have coincided with the amazing transformation of Irish agriculture over the past fifty years. Moreover, I have had the privilege of a professional career as an activist in many of the national and international policy developments that have shaped Irish farming, agriculture generally, the food industry, and rural society.”

Addressing graduates of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, he added: “Your generation faces the defining challenge of balancing the world’s growing demand for food, with less inputs per unit of production, while protecting and enhancing our natural environment. Science, research, knowledge, and technological innovation have always surmounted the challenges faced in agriculture and food production.”

“The university’s commitment to a world-class ‘UCD FBD Agricultural Science Centre’ at Lyons is a strong vote of confidence in agriculture and a clear signal that UCD sees agriculture and food production as industries embedded in Ireland with a long-term future. With the talented and ambitious agricultural scientists graduating today and in the coming years, I believe the future of farming and food production is in good hands.”

Mr Berkery currently serves as Chairman of the FBD Trust, which this year marks its 50^th anniversary. Since 1975, the Trust has invested over €50 million in philanthropic initiatives promoting Irish agriculture through research, education and knowledge transfer. Its impact can be seen in supports for young farmer and sustainability awards, women in agriculture events, and major infrastructure projects such as the Padraig Walshe Centre at Teagasc Moorepark, and the UCD FBD Agricultural Science Centre at Lyons Farm.