I have vast experience and an extensive knowledge of the agri-food industry and understand every part of the supply chain from 'farm to fork'. This understanding was further enhanced by my completion of an Msc in Agri-Food Business Development in 2009 at Ulster University and Babson College, Boston, USA. I am also a Professional Member of the Institute of Agricultural Management P.Agric (IAgrM).I work in Queens University Belfast in the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) as a Business Development Manager and with the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE).I was elected as a Senator in Seanad Éireann (The Upper House of the Oireachtas) in April 2018, serving until March 2020. In addition to my work in the Seanad I sat on the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Climate Change and Environment, the Committee for the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union and the Joint Committee for Rural and Community Development.It has given me immense pride to work in the agri-food industry for the last 30 years. I have been privileged to be part of leading and growing farming and food production in my former role as President of the Ulster Farmers Union and my former role on the Agri-Food Strategy Board, all complemented by my knowledge and experience as a primary producer. I am a member of the UK Assured Food Standards Ownership Body and a former member of the College Advisory Group to the College of Agriculture and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). I am a former NI Lantra Chair, a past member of the Farm Safety Partnership and a past member the Executive Committee of the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster.