Sean Kane has been appointed as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of AgriSearch, the Northern Ireland Agricultural Research and Development Council.

It is among a series of new appointments aiming to strengthen the organisation's leadership team and organisational structure.

Sean previously served as operations manager and has played a central role in the growth and development of AgriSearch.

As CEO, he will provide strategic leadership for the organisation and oversee the delivery of AgriSearch's long-term priorities on behalf of levy payers and the wider livestock sector.

Kane said that AgriSearch has a "strong track record of delivering research and innovation that benefits farmers".

"As we look ahead, our focus will be on delivering high impact projects, strengthening knowledge exchange and ensuring that scientific evidence is translated into practical outcomes for the livestock sector," he said.

AgriSearch

Established in 1997, AgriSearch provides a way for beef, dairy and sheep farmers to have direct involvement in production orientated research.

Funds contributed to AgriSearch by farmers are used to commission research into the improvement and development of beef, sheep and dairy farming.

Jason Rankin has been appointed senior industry advisor at AgriSearch.

Drawing on his extensive experience and long-standing involvement within Northern Ireland's livestock industry, Jason will provide strategic advice and support to the organisation.

In a bid to further strengthen the organisation's capability, AgriSearch is also recruiting for a senior scientific lead to help shape future research and innovation priorities.

A communications lead will also be appointed to enhance farmer engagement, stakeholder communications and the translation of research and innovation into practical on-farm outcomes.

AgriSearch chair Norman McMordie said that Northern Ireland's livestock sector is "operating in an increasingly complex environment".

"Farmers need access to robust evidence, practical innovation and trusted information to help them make informed decisions for the future.

"These changes strengthen AgriSearch's ability to deliver for levy payers, support industry priorities and ensure the organisation remains focused on generating practical impact for beef, sheep and dairy farmers," he said.