Northern Ireland’s farmer-funded research body gets new leadership as Norman McMordie takes the helm from Prof. Gerry Boyle, bringing decades of industry.
Norman McMordie takes the reins at AgriSearch
AgriSearch has announced the appointment of Norman McMordie as its new chair, effective immediately. McMordie succeeds Prof. Gerry Boyle, who is stepping down after over four years of service to Northern Ireland’s farmer-funded research and innovation body.
McMordie brings a wealth of practical experience to the role. Raised on a Co. Down beef farm, he began his career with Richardson’s Fertilisers before moving to Dalgety Agriculture. Following Dalgety’s exit from Northern Ireland, he joined the Veterinary Surgeons’ Supply Company, where he served as managing director for 20 years. He retired from the role in 2018 but remains a director. McMordie has been a trustee of AgriSearch since 2021.
“I am honoured to take on the role of chair of AgriSearch at a time when research, innovation and knowledge exchange are more important than ever for the future of our farming sector,” McMordie said. “AgriSearch has a strong track record of delivering practical, farmer-focused research, and I look forward to working with the board to build on this and ensure the organisation continues to deliver real value for levy payers.”
The appointment comes at a critical juncture for the organisation, which has recently sought to raise levies after registering a deficit.
Board changes signal strategic direction
Alongside McMordie’s appointment, Ian McCluggage has been reappointed as vice chair and Dr. Keith Agnew joins him in the role. Both appointments underscore AgriSearch’s commitment to bridging research and practical farming application.
McCluggage hails from a dairy farming background in Co. Antrim and previously held senior roles within CAFRE, including head of branch for knowledge and technology transfer operational policy and head of dairy advisory. He has served as president of both the Ulster Grassland Society and the Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science, and received a lifetime achievement award at the Farming Life Awards in 2021. Like McMordie, he has been a trustee since 2021.
Dr. Keith Agnew brings significant scientific and commercial expertise to the table. He holds a PhD in animal nutrition and production from Queen’s University Belfast and has held senior leadership roles, including managing director of Dale Farm’s agri division. Currently chief executive of Food Fortress Ltd and a director of Fermentics (UK) Ltd, Agnew joined the AgriSearch board in 2025 with a strong focus on feed efficiency, food safety and carbon reduction.
Specifically, outgoing chair Prof. Gerry Boyle reflected on his tenure: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of AgriSearch over the past three years. I wish Norman and the board every success in continuing to deliver practical outcomes for Northern Ireland’s farmers.”
What This Means for Farmers
This leadership transition matters directly to anyone paying the AgriSearch levy. The new chair’s background suggests the organisation will maintain its focus on delivering research that farmers can actually use on their farms rather than academic exercises that gather dust.
McMordie’s 20 years running the Veterinary Surgeons’ Supply Company indicates someone who understands the commercial realities facing farm businesses. That’s encouraging. Too often, agricultural research fails to filter down to field level because researchers chase publications rather than practical applications.
The emphasis on feed efficiency, food safety and carbon reduction under Dr. Agnew’s portfolio suggests AgriSearch will continue aligning with the environmental pressures facing Northern Irish agriculture. With regulatory demands increasing and supply chains demanding more sustainable production, farmers need research that helps them adapt without sacrificing viability.
However, the recent deficit and subsequent levy increase request raises questions. If AgriSearch is already struggling financially, will the new leadership deliver better value for levy payers, or will costs simply rise? McMordie has been a trustee since 2021, so he’s not exactly new to these challenges.
What to Do Next
Farmers should watch how the new board implements its research priorities over the coming months. If you have specific on-farm challenges that research could address, contact AgriSearch directly. They respond to farmer-identified needs.
Keep an eye on levy developments too. If increases are approved, ensure you see tangible returns through better techniques, improved animal health strategies or cost-saving innovations. You are funding this organisation, so you have every right to demand it works for you.
The next AgriSearch open day or farmer meeting would be worth attending to hear the new chair’s vision directly and provide feedback on research priorities that matter to your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new chair of AgriSearch?
Norman McMordie has been appointed as the new chair of AgriSearch, succeeding Prof. Gerry Boyle who stepped down after over four years of service.
What is Norman McMordie’s background?
McMordie was raised on a Co. Down beef farm and began his career with Richardson’s Fertilisers before moving to Dalgety Agriculture and then serving as managing director of the Veterinary Surgeons’ Supply Company for 20 years until his retirement in 2018.
Who are the new vice chairs at AgriSearch?
Ian McCluggage has been reappointed as vice chair, joined by Dr. Keith Agnew. McCluggage comes from a dairy farming background in Co. Antrim, while Dr. Agnew brings expertise in animal nutrition, feed efficiency and carbon reduction.
Why does this leadership change matter to farmers?
As a farmer-funded body, the leadership directly influences what research gets prioritised and whether it delivers practical value for levy payers. The new chair’s commercial background and focus on feed efficiency, food safety and carbon reduction align with current pressures facing Northern Irish agriculture.
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Join the early list