TIME / LOCATION

SESSION

SPEAKERS

9:30–10:15
Devere Hall

Welcome Session

The IFAMA 2026 Global Business Forum begins with a shift from theory to action—bringing together global executives, innovators, researchers, and decision-makers to explore what is really happening across today’s agri-food systems. Over the next two days, speakers will tackle topics including climate risk, resilient supply chains, AI in agriculture, consumer trust, sustainability, dairy markets, food retail, nutrition innovation, and the future of global food production. What’s working? What isn’t? Where are the biggest opportunities emerging? This dynamic exchange between industry and academia is what makes IFAMA unique—and why these conversations matter. Welcome to the Global Business Forum.

John O’Halloran — President, University College Cork, Ireland

Joe Gill – Director, Corporate Advisory, Goodbody, Ireland

Thia Hennessy – Professor, Agri-Food Economics, UCC, Ireland

Aidan Connolly – President, IFAMA, USA

Vincent Wall – Moderator

10:15–10:40
Devere Hall

The Future of Protein: Can Big Meat Companies Lead the Change?

This session explores how a global meat business balances rising demand with pressure on sustainability, climate, animal welfare and geopolitical risk. It examines supply chains, innovation and the role of large processors in shaping the future of protein, including alternatives.

Aidan Connolly — Moderator, CEO, Agritech Capital, USA

Jerry O’Callaghan — Chairman, JBS, Brazil

10:40–11:00
Devere Hall

Supply Chains in Turbulence: Resilience or Reinvention

This session examines how global food companies are responding to sustained supply chain disruption driven by geopolitics, climate and cost pressures. It explores whether resilience is sufficient or whether deeper reinvention is required across sourcing and operating models.

Mary McEvoy — VP Supply Chain Strategy & Transformation, PepsiCo, USA

Vincent Wall — Moderator

11:00–11:20

Morning Coffee Break

11:20–11:40
Devere Hall

Commodity Prices and Volatility in Response to Anticipated Climate Change

The numbers don’t lie—weather events are moving markets, shifting commodity prices, and reshaping food supply chains. This session unpacks the economic mechanics of climate exposure across the value chain and examines how markets can be structured to drive adaptation rather than just absorb damage.

Wolfram Schlenker — Ray A. Goldberg Professor, Harvard Business School, USA

11:40–12:20
Devere Hall

Agriculture and Food in Transition: Risk, Resilience and the Future of Food Systems

This panel explores how the agri-food sector is responding to volatility driven by climate, geopolitics, regulation and shifting consumer demand. It examines how supply chains and are being redefined and how resilience is being embedded into food systems.

Ian Proudfoot — Global Head, Agribusiness, KPMG, New Zealand

Juan Aguiriano — Sustainability Lead, Kerry, Spain

Mary Shelman — Founder and CEO, Shelman Group, USA Moderator:

Vincent Wall — Moderator

12:20–12:40
Devere Hall

Balancing Cost and Choice: The Future of Food Retail in a Volatile Economy

This session explores how food retail is adapting to cost-of-living pressures and shifting consumer expectations, balancing value, health and sustainability. It considers how retailers are responding through technology, pricing and supply chain decisions while maintaining relevance.

Noel Keeley — CEO, Musgrave, Ireland

Vincent Wall — Moderator

12:40–1:45
Main Restaurant
(upstairs)

Lunch

1:30–2:30
The Hub Atrium,
Ground Floor

IFAMA Young Board Speed Networking

An informal session connects executives with more than 150 students and young professionals attending the conference. Companies can identify talent and showcase their brand, while students and early-career professionals gain direct access to global agribusiness leaders through facilitated networking. Companies can Contact Michelle at michelle.marais@urban-farmer.co.za for more information.Join the IFAMA Young Board for this fast-paced opportunity to make connections across the global agri-food community. Hosted by the IFAMA Young Board members.

Michelle Marais — Urban Farmer Pty Ltd, Chair of the IFAMA Young Board

1:45–2:15
Devere Hall

Trust and Provenance in Food Business

Consumer expectations around provenance, ESG, and authenticity are changing what it means to be competitive. This session considers how local sourcing and trusted supply chains are responding to that shift, and what it means for food businesses trying to build lasting credibility.

Bríd O’Connell — CEO, Guaranteed Irish, Ireland

Jill Shaw — ESG & Sustainability Lead, A&L Goodbody, Ireland

Sylvain Charlebois — Professor, Dalhousie University, Canada

Vincent Wall — Moderator

2:15–2:50
Devere Hall

From Farm Gate to Global Markets: The Future of Dairy

This session explores the global dairy sector from farm production to international markets and branded food systems. It examines the tensions and opportunities between farmer viability, market demand and sustainability commitments across the value chain. The discussion brings together perspectives from co-operative leadership, farming and global manufacturing on how dairy can remain competitive and resilient in a changing global context.

Conor Galvin — CEO, Ornua, Ireland

Nicola Shadbolt — Farmer, New Zealand

Robert M. Erhard — Group Dairy Lead, Nestlé, Switzerland Moderator:

Vincent Wall — Moderator

2:40–4:15
Lecture Theater 3 –
Boole Basement
Lecture Theaters

Student Case Competition — Grand Finale (Graduates)

Grand Finale of the IFAMA 2026 Student Case Competition — Graduate Division.

Don't miss one of the most inspiring sessions at IFAMA 2026. Watch top graduate teams from around the world present solutions to real agribusiness challenges before a panel of international judges.

What makes this competition unique is the challenge itself. Teams receive a complex business case and have just two days to analyze the situation, develop recommendations, and prepare a professional presentation—all while networking, learning, and competing alongside peers from around the world. It is demanding, fast-paced, and often pushes participants well beyond their comfort zones.

For conference delegates, these sessions offer more than a glimpse of emerging talent. You'll hear fresh ideas, see how the next generation approaches today's toughest agri-food challenges, and witness the creativity, resilience, and determination that will shape the future of our industry. Come support these remarkable young professionals. You may be watching tomorrow's CEOs, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders!

2:50–3:20
Devere Hall

From Co-op to PLC and Back Again: Building Value for Farm Members

This session explores the evolution of major dairy organisations from co-operative origins to PLC structures and back again. It examines what has driven these shifts and their implications for governance, strategy and value distribution for farm members.

Pat Murphy — CEO, Kinisla, Ireland

Seán Molloy — CEO, Tirlán, Ireland

Thia Hennessy — Moderator

3:20–3:40

Afternoon Coffee Break

3:40–4:00
Devere Hall

From Science to Shelf: Unlocking Value in functional Food Innovation

This session explores how advances in gut health and functional nutrition are being translated into commercial products. It examines consumer demand and market drivers shaping health-focused foods and how science-led innovation is creating new value.

Paul Ross — Director, APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC, Ireland

Alexandra Boelrijk — Global VP R&D, ProActive Health & Food Protection, Kerry, Netherlands

Vincent Wall — Moderator

4:00–4:35
Devere Hall

Financing the Future of Food and Agri: Capital, Opportunity, and Scale

The next wave of agri-food growth won’t fund itself. This session discusses where capital is moving across the sector, from traditional finance to impact investment, and makes the case for bold, strategic funding decisions that can drive transformation at scale.

Cynthia Jonströmer — Founder and CEO, Antarez Global Impact Capital, Sweden

James Nolan — Business Unit Head, AIB Corporate Banking, Ireland

David O’Kelly — Head of M&A, KPM, Ireland

Moderator: Joe Gill — Director, Corporate Advisory, Goodbody, Ireland

4:35–5:00
Devere Hall

Brand, Value and Innovation in a Changing Food Landscape

How are global food brands adapting to a fragmented, cost-sensitive market while also balancing value, health and brand relevance? This session explores how portfolio strategies and innovation are evolving across Europe, and how scaled FMCG companies are driving growth.

Ruth Hughes — VP European Sales, Kellanova, Ireland

Vincent Wall — Moderator

4:45–6:45 
Council Room

IFAMA Board of Directors Meeting

5:00–5:10
Devere Hall

Day 1 Takeaways

Young Board representatives present three key takeaways from the day's sessions.