NEW CHAIR APPOINTED AT AGRISEARCH

The appointment comes at a time when the role of independent, farmer-focused research and knowledge exchange is increasingly important in supporting the productivity, sustainability and resilience of Northern Ireland’s farming sector.

Norman McMordie brings extensive industry experience, having been raised on a County Down beef farm and beginning his career with Richardson’s Fertilisers before moving to Dalgety Agriculture. Following Dalgety’s exit from Northern Ireland, he joined the Veterinary Surgeons’ Supply Company, where he served as Managing Director for 20 years. He retired from the role in 2018 and remains a director. He has been a Trustee of AgriSearch since 2021.

Alongside the new appointment, Ian McCluggage has been reappointed as Vice Chair and is joined by Dr Keith Agnew.

Ian McCluggage, who comes from a dairy farming background in County Antrim, previously held senior roles within CAFRE, including Head of Branch for Knowledge and Technology Transfer Operational Policy and Head of Dairy Advisory. He has also served as President of both the Ulster Grassland Society and the Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science, and was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Farming Life Awards in 2021. He has been a Trustee of AgriSearch since 2021.

Dr Keith Agnew brings significant scientific and commercial expertise, holding a PhD in Animal Nutrition and Production from Queen’s University Belfast. His career has included senior leadership roles such as Managing Director of Dale Farm’s Agri Division. He is currently Chief Executive of Food Fortress Ltd and a director of Fermentrics (UK) Ltd, with a strong focus on feed efficiency, food safety and carbon reduction. He joined the AgriSearch Board in 2025.

Speaking on his appointment, Norman McMordie said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of AgriSearch at a time when research, innovation and knowledge exchange are more important than ever for the future of our farming sector. AgriSearch has a strong track record of delivering practical, farmer-focused research, and I look forward to working with the Board to build on this and ensure the organisation continues to deliver real value for levy payers.”

I would also like to thank Professor Gerry Boyle for his leadership over the past four years and the wealth of experience and insight he brought to the Board.”

 Professor Gerry Boyle added: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of AgriSearch over the past three years. I wish Norman and the Board every success in continuing to deliver practical outcomes for Northern Ireland’s farmers.”

AgriSearch invests levy funding in research and knowledge exchange to improve the productivity, sustainability and profitability of Northern Ireland’s farming sector.