SETU emerged victorious at the 9th Annual Great Agri-Food Debate, beating out CAFRE in a closely contested Grand Final. The debate, which was organized by Dawn Meats and co-sponsored by McDonald’s, saw SETU opposing the motion that social media influencers are more trusted than scientific facts when it comes to red meat consumption.
The winning team from SETU consisted of Ellen Feery, Brittany Davis, Edward Hatton, Alisha Flynn, Saoirse Cassidy, and team captain Ellen Doherty. This victory marked SETU’s fourth consecutive win, following their successes in 2023, 2022, and 2021. The team’s impressive performance in the debate showcased their strong arguments and deep understanding of the topic.
The Grand Final, which took place at the SETU Arena in Waterford, featured teams from across Ireland and the UK, including CAFRE, University College Cork (UCC), and Munster Technological University (MTU). Emma Forbes of CAFRE was awarded the Best Speaker title in the Grand Final, highlighting her eloquence and persuasive speaking skills.
The judges for the Grand Final included industry experts such as Niall Browne, Chief Executive of Dawn Meats, John Byrne, McDonald’s Franchisee, and John Murray, Director of Meat, Food and Beverages at Bord Bia. The moderation of the debate was handled by Jack Kennedy, Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal.
The Great Agri-Food Debate serves as a platform for students studying agriculture-related subjects to engage in discussions on relevant issues within the industry. This year’s competition saw a total of six teams competing, with teams from Scotland’s Rural College in Edinburgh (SRUC) and Harper Adams University in Shropshire, England, also participating.
In addition to the competitive aspect of the debate, the event provides a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and critical thinking skills. The recordings of this year’s debates are available on the Dawn Meats YouTube channel, allowing a wider audience to engage with the insightful discussions that took place during the competition.
Overall, the Great Agri-Food Debate continues to be a significant event in the agricultural sector, bringing together students, industry professionals, and experts to explore key issues and promote meaningful dialogue within the industry. Congratulations to SETU on their well-deserved victory, and kudos to all the teams, judges, and moderators for making this year’s event a success.
