Owen Brennan, executive chairman of Devenish, an agri-technology company, has received an honorary doctorate from Harper Adams University.
The award recognises his significant contribution to agricultural technologies through the activities of Devenish.
Under Brennan’s leadership since 1997, Devenish has evolved from a trading company focused primarily on the Northern Ireland market to a research, development and innovation business trading in over 40 countries today.
Brennan was recently appointed President of Harper Adams in Ireland, the University’s alumni network in the Island of Ireland.
Speaking after the ceremony, he said: “I am very pleased to receive this honour from Harper Adams. I am passionate about education – I have worked closely with the University for many years and look forward to working even more closely in the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire team at Devenish. This award is another reflection of the talented people that I have the privilege to work alongside.”
In his address to the graduates, Brennan highlighted the opportunity in the farming and food industry. He spoke about the role of quality food in promoting human health and preventing ill-health. He also talked about the role that farmers can play as part of the climate solution, and the potential of farmers to sequester carbon in hedges, trees and particularly in soils, also how he believes farmers should be paid to do this.
Earlier this year, Brennan received an OBE for services to the Northern Ireland agricultural-food industry.