Ruth Hegarty Email & Phone Number

Ireland

Consultancy with a vision to promote a sustainable and equitable food system which provides viable livelihoods for small-scale farmers and producers and nourishes people, communities and planet. Providing project management, consultancy and facilitation services to a wide variety of clients and projects that promote this vision.POLICY & ADVOCACY From consultations and workshop facilitation, to research, policy papers and reports, we work with community groups, NGOs, state bodies and the private sector on initiatives that promote good food for all, sustainable food systems and livelihoods.BUSINESS & STRATEGY Business and strategy development for producers/producer groups, festivals and events, and projects that support sustainable and artisan food production, food education, and food culture.RUTH HEGARTY – FACILITATOR/MC/SPEAKERRuth Hegarty is an experienced facilitator, moderator, MC and speaker, as well as a writer and commentator on food policy.

Ireland

Joining the team at Efeca Éire as Senior Consultant, providing advice, knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement and facilitation around sustainable supply chains and responsible sourcing. Currently focusing on Government and industry preparedness for the EU Deforestation Regulation.

Lecturer in the Irish Food System and Food Policy for UCC MA in Food Studies and Irish Foodways

Set-up and development of a new professional network for chefs across the island of Ireland; an inclusive platform for chefs from all sectors to connect, collaborate and communicate.Over 5 year period carried out:- initial research and feasibility study- stakeholder engagement, facilitation of industry consultation, and set up of working group and advisory council- launch of network in 2016 and growth from 0-4,000 in 4 years.- strategic planning and leadership of the network- organisational management, management of team to deliver training & events, management of onlineplatform, content, and digital marketing, project management of key projects and initiatives- measurement & reportingHaving stepped back from leading and managing the network after 5 years, Ruth Hegarty continues to provide on-going strategic consultancy.

Chief Executive at the Irish branch of the European Community of Chefs & Cooks.Promoting local & seasonal food sourcing, sustainable agriculture and rural development, holistic food education, and protection of culinary heritage and traditions, Euro-Toques acts as an industry network and lobby group/policy influencer.Role includes: Organisational management, Strategy & Planning, Financial Management, Policy Development, Communications, PR & Event ManagementHighly Experienced & Talented: Negotiator, Relationship Manager, Presenter/Public speaker, Strategist

Created and managed the Euro-Toques 'Small Food Initiative' linking small food producers in NI and Border counties with their local chefs and helping them market to the foodservice sector.

Ireland

Columnist for hospitality industry magazine Hotel & Catering Review (Jemma Publications) on food, agriculture, tourism and hospitality related topics and policy issues.

Assisting Start-ups across a range of sectors with Business Plans, Marketing Plans, Feasibility studies and Investment pitches

Master Of Science - Msc., Food Policy, Distinction

Activities and Societies: Masters Thesis: A Seat at the Table for Citizens: meaningful public participation in food policy development.

Group Facilitation Skills - Qqi Level 6, Group Work Theory & Practice, Distinction

M.Econ. Sc, Thesis: Food Quality Policy In The Eu

Food Quality Policy in the EU: Protecting Europe's Traditional and Speciality Foods. A discussion of the background, structures.

M.Econ.Sc European Economic & Public Affairs, European Law, Policy, Economics & Business, 2.1

European Law & Policy

Ba International, English & Italian, 1St Class Honours

Languages, Literature & Culture

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Erasmus - Italian Language & Literature

Languages, Literature & Culture