The challenges of embracing diversity and effecting change in agri-food businesses is the theme of the upcoming Ceres breakfast event.

The event will focus on the issue of unconscious bias which is prevalent in the Irish agri-food industry and the need for diversity and inclusivity in order to enhance business performance.

The event will discuss how the diversity agenda is not just about introducing more women, but a broad range of thinking at senior level.

Studies show that many progressive organisations are now replacing gender equality strategies with diversity strategies which encourage diverse leadership styles, decision making and communications which have been proven to improve financial returns.

The discussion will be chaired by Ciara Jackson, food, agribusiness and drink practice leader, AON who is a co-founder of the Agri-Food Diversity and Inclusion Forum.

Panel contributors will include Brendan Gleeson, head of policy and strategy, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Bríd Horan, non-executive director and former deputy CEO ESB and founder of 30% Club Ireland and Sean Farrell, head of agriculture Bank of Ireland.

Speaking in advance of the event, Karen Brosnan, chair of the Ceres Network said: “Organisational cultures, and particularly agricultural cultures, need to become increasingly open to challenging gender and other stereotypes.

“To challenge thinking, individuals need to become aware of their beliefs and biases. These unconscious biases can influence how we make decisions in the workplace which can negatively effect business performance.

“Conversations need to happen around how we support women and young men in different roles and in different ways to promote diversity in thinking, decision making and representation in farm and food organisations.”

The breakfast event will take place on Tuesday, 29 May in the Killashee House Hotel, Naas from 7.30am-9.30am. Tickets, which cost €15 per person, include a continental breakfast and can be booked via www.eventbrite.ie.

What is Ceres?

Ceres, the women in agri-business leadership network, was founded to develop and promote leadership and diverse thinking within the industry. The group was founded by 10 leading female professionals from diverse backgrounds within the sector including academia, consulting and agri-business.

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