On the 21^st of MAY in the RADISSON HOTEL, ATHLONE at 2.30pm 

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in conjunction with Bord Bia, will hold an information session concerning the European quality schemes – Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) and Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG).  The session will last approximately 2 hours.  

The geographical indication schemes protect the names of products which originate from and/or are produced within defined geographical areas and where the products themselves have a link to these areas.  Some of the most renowned products benefiting from this status are Feta Cheese and Parma Ham.  In Ireland there are four regional products with GI status – Imokilly Regatto, Clare Island Salmon, Connemara Hill Lamb and Timoleague Brown Pudding – and a further application for GI status is currently pending for the Waterford Blaa.

During the afternoon session national and international producers will outline their own experiences of achieving GI status and how that has benefited their business.  Details regarding the opportunities and potential benefits for producers and the application process will be provided

The session will be moderated by Raymond O’ Rourke from the Taste Council

• Sharon Murphy, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will discuss the scheme and how to apply.
• Producers who will speak about their experience of the scheme include
  • Martin Joe Kerrigan from Connemara Hill Lamb  
  • Dermott Walsh from the Blaa Bakers Association
  • Matthew O’Callaghan, Chairman of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association and chairman of the UK Protected Food Name Producer Association

There will also be representatives from Bord Bia, Teagasc and Bord Iascaigh Mara on the board to answer questions.

If you would like to attend please email Tara.Keogh@agriculture.gov.ie or phone 01 607 2269 by 17 May.

• The Drive-through Heney Gate
• Finding the Next Food Entrepreneurs
• Innovative Midlands Farmers
• Natura 2000 Case Study
• Grassroots Graveyard Project
• Study on Cross Axis Measures
• Joint Green Training Initative
• Tracing Field Names in Meath
• Village a Mecca for Crafts

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The Minister welcomed the continued interest in iNet, his Department’s on-line application facility for the Single Payment Scheme. “I am delighted to see that on-line applications under the 2012 Scheme are currently running significantly ahead of the same point during the 2011 campaign”, the Minister said. “This is very much in line with the trend each year since the introduction of iNet in 2007, with increased numbers being lodged on-line each year. Indeed, there was a seven-fold increase in usage of iNet between 2007 and 2011 and, already at this stage in the 2012 campaign, the numbers lodged on-line are on target to exceed last year’s record levels”, he added.

“The continuing increase in uptake is testament to the recognised benefits of iNet”, the Minister said, outlining that, due to the system of in-built validations on the on-line facility, the options for applicants to make minor errors on their applications is dramatically restricted. “Analysis of the issues which delay processing of applications show a very high percentage are delayed because of basic errors or omissions on the part of the applicant. However, it has been possible to construct the on-line facility with a series of compulsory fields and built-in validations, which dramatically reduces the level of these types of error, simply by refusing to allow the applicant to make the error in the first instance. Unfortunately, such an option is not available with the traditional paper application”. The Minister also referred to the new on-line mapping option for 2012, whereby relevant maps can now also be submitted on-line with the application. “This is further evidence of the ongoing commitment to maximise the use of technology for the benefit of farmers. In keeping with the practise of constantly improving the service and options provided by iNet, I am very pleased to see that it has been technically possible to introduce an on-line mapping element into the 2012 release. This will allow farmers, or their agents, who need to submit maps to my Department to do so through iNet, thereby dispensing with the need to submit paper maps. But the benefits go beyond this, because, by virtue of the maps coming in online, immediate effect can be given to the changes required, resulting in greater efficiencies for all concerned”, said Minister Coveney.

The Minister confirmed that, in addition to the almost 25,000 farmers who are registered with his Department to use the on-line facility, a further similar number have also availed of the option to have an approved designated Agent lodge their application via the on-line system on their behalf. “It was recognised from the outset that, in order to maximise the benefit of the on-line facility, a system of approved Agents would help maximise the numbers submitting applications on-line. While there are various reasons why individuals might not be in a position to lodge on-line applications, the Agent facility is attractive to those who wish to avail of the benefits of lodging an on-line application, although not in a position to do so personally”, the Minister said. “I would certainly urge all those who have yet to do so, to give it serious consideration. Don’t forget, even if you don’t feel you have sufficient IT skills yourself, you can avail of the services of an approved Agent, who will do the necessary on your behalf” the Minister said, adding “I would strongly recommend that anyone considering availing of the on-line facility to make enquiries via the website, www.agfood.ie or, alternatively, the dedicated Helpdesk at Lo-call 1890 252 118″. The list of approved Agents is available on the Department’s website, listed by county.

Concluding, the Minister referred to the recently introduced system of text messaging, designed to keep farmers informed on important issues and deadlines. “This development is another example of the use being made of modern technology for the benefit of all concerned”, Minister Coveney explained, adding “an initial introductory text message was sent recently, which allowed recipients who do not wish to participate, to opt out free of charge. However, there are currently in excess of 90,000 farmers signed-up to receive text messages. A further text will issue, advising of the closing date for the 2012 Scheme. This is an extremely cost-effective way of getting vital information out to farmers, with practical, measurable benefits to follow, as any reduction in the level of late penalties being applied benefits both the individual farmers concerned and the wider community”.

Date Released: 09 May 2012

Source DAFF

Renewable Energy in Mayo

Farming and Natura 2000

Uptake of Cross Axis Measures

Farm Diversification

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Shane McEntee TD, has launched the Agri Aware Farm and Countryside Safety initiative at Dublin Zoo.

At the launch the Minister highlighted the very high rate of serious accidents on farms compared to other industries stating “Statistics show that accidents on farms cause more workplace deaths than all other occupations combined. It is also clear that the most vulnerable people to accidents and injury in the farming sector are the old and the young”. Minister McEntee
went on to say that this problem could only be tackled by education and raising awareness within the farming community and that “no single action or organisation that can solve this difficult problem that impacts so negatively, on so many lives, each year. We must all work together with the single goal of preventing farm accidents and therefore saving lives and preventing serious injuries”.

The Farm and Countryside Safety project is located in the Family Farm at Dublin Zoo. It is supported by Agri Aware in conjunction with FBD Insurance, the IFA and ESB Networks.

The programme will culminate with the production of a 2013 calendar featuring selected images of safety messages drawn or painted by children. The calendar will be sent to all primary schools in the country.

This will be outlined at a seminar taking place in The Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford on Wednesday 9^th May @ 7pm.

The seminar will feature a number of keynote speakers from the business world such as Peter Young, well known for his weekly articles in the Irish Farmers Journal focusing on innovation and money mentor advice with regard to starting a business in rural Ireland.  Well known business consultant, author and former CEO of Wexford Farmers Co-op, Blaise Brosnan will bring his unique blend of practical management experience and down to earth advice to farmers who are seeking opportunities to generate additional income from non-agricultural activities on the farm.

The seminar will also include real-life stories from two Wexford farmers who have diversified and developed successful businesses with the help of grant aid from WLD.  Patrick Berridge, a successful dairy farmer from near Adamstown, has diversified into cheese making as well as food waste management and Simon Cooper, a young dairy farmer from Oylegate who together with his brother Paul have established the very successful Featherbed Farm Ice-cream.

WLD are pleased with the recent announcement by Minister Phil Hogan regarding €5m of grant aid to be allocated to food related projects for 2012.  This means that after a lapse of more than a year, WLD now welcome applications for food related projects which may be eligible for up to 40% grant aid.

At the seminar, Tom Bermingham from WLD will outline the grant aid process and supports available from WLD for both food and non-food related farmdiversification projects.  WLD are hoping for a good attendance and are especially hopeful that the seminar will encourage Wexford farmers to diversify into niche products or services which can avail of substantial grant aid now available.

To book or seek further information, contact Tom Bermingham @ 053 9155856 or email: tbermingham@wld.ie Programme available on http://bit.ly/IZaCHk

Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, today officially launched Sheep 2012 and the sheep publication from Teagasc entitled “Technical Up-Dates on Sheep Production”.

The Minister said “I am delighted with the co-operation shown by the stakeholders in the sector who have put huge effort into organizing the major sheep event of the year, to be held at Teagasc Athenry on June 30th. With overall sponsorship from Kepak, and Musgraves, the event promises to be a day not to be missed for sheep farmers. A wide range of activities are planned including technical seminars and workshops, breed championships and a cookery demonstration by Bord Bia.”

Minister McEntee also launched the new Teagasc manual on sheep entitled “Technical Up-Dates on Sheep Production” which is a summary of the latest research and advice on all areas of sheep production.  The Minister commented “this manual is a very comprehensive summary of important knowledge on sheep issues and will be a crucial reference for sheep producers,
advisers, veterinarians, students and others. There is considerable scope to improve technical efficiency on many sheep farms and I would urge all farmers to use it as a reference manual. There is renewed optimism in the sheep sector with stability returning to the National ewe flock which bodes well for the future of lamb production.

My congratulations to the editors, Michael Diskin and Michael McHugh for making this particular publication possible.”

The Minister concluded by wishing the organisers a very successful event at Sheep 2012 at Teagasc, Athenry on 30 June 2012 and encouraged stakeholders to avail of the very useful information contained in the new publication from Teagasc

As with agriculture, there has been a large increase in the number of people seeking horticultural training in the last three to four years which has driven demand for places at Kildalton Horticultural College to its highest level in more than two decades.

Speaking at the open day, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Shane McEntee, TD said “Today’s open day demonstrates the wide variety of options that a horticultural career can provide, from the growing and selling of garden plants or food crops on a commercial scale to the design and care of public or private open space planting.  Education, sports turf management, horticultural therapy and research are also presented as further opportunities within this very versatile sector”.

The Minister drew attention to the support the Government continues to provide to Ireland’s horticultural industry through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector.  Emphasising the support the Scheme provides for new entrants to the sector, the Minister said he was “delighted to recently announce a total grant aid package of €3.7 million for 152 successful applicant’s under this year’s Scheme.”

The Minister outlined that he was very encouraged by the level of confidence that currently exists within Irish horticulture as well as the wider Irish agri-food industry and re-iterated the opinion that these sectors will have a critical role in leading Ireland’s economic recovery.  The Minister of State also pointed out the imperative that “for the industry to achieve its full potential it will be vital to have young enthusiastic, educated people in place that posses the skills and resources necessary to drive the industry forward“.

The Minister concluded his address by wishing the prospective students well in their studies and future careers and commenting that a career in horticulture would provide many “fruitful” opportunities.  

Date Released: 03 May 2012

Source : DAFF

Enhanced concentration on enterprise support in RDP will drive recovery process in rural areas

Extra allocation of €10 million assigned to Basic Services

Rate of aid for private promoters will increase from 50% to 75%

Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government announced today (25th April, 2012) a number of changes to the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme that will see increased availability of funding for both private promoters and community groups in rural Ireland. The enhanced concentration on enterprise support in RDP will drive the recovery process in rural areas.
The current rate of aid for private promoters under the RDP is 50%, the changes being announced today include an increase in this rate to 75%.  This change will go some way to address the difficulties being experienced in accessing credit in the current economic climate and will provide an increased level of support for rural entrepreneurs in Ireland. A reallocation within the programme will reassign an extra €10 million to the Basic Services measure of the RDP which, while almost fully allocated, still has significant potential. Local Authorities will now be permitted to apply directly to the RDP for funding working in cooperation with community groups. Local Authorities will be eligible to apply for the community rate of aid of 75% under the Village Renewal and Conservation measures of the Programme.
Announcing the changes to the RDP Minister Hogan said: “The LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme continue to provide significant financial resources to rural Ireland and it is my responsibility to ensure that the programme is delivered efficiently and effectively. In this context the changes being announced today will provide some of the solutions to the issues and challenges faced on a daily basis by Local Development Companies delivering the RDP. I am confident that these changes will give the LDCs more flexibility to increase the amount of support available to a variety of projects involving both communities and private individuals. ”
“With an annual budget of €96 million for 2012 it is critically important that the 35 Local Development Companies, rural entrepreneurs and community groups all over Ireland continue to look to the LEADER elements of the RDP to provide the financial support necessary to drive their projects forward. This kind of community led local development is already providing and I have no doubt, will continue to provide the solid community foundation required to support Irelands recovery process into the future”

The Minister added, “I should stress that although we will go ahead with these changes immediately they are still subject to final approval from the European Commission.“ Anyone wishing to inquire about this funding should contact their Local Development Company; contact details for all companies contracted to deliver the RDP in Ireland can be found on my Department’s website at www.environ.ie ”.

Press  Office
Tel: (01) 888 2638  (direct)
(01) 888 2000
E-Mail: press-office@environ.ie
Web site: www.environ.ie

Table of Contents

• The Drive-through Heney Gate
• Finding the Next Food Entrepreneurs
• Innovative Midlands Farmers
• Sports Coach Training in Mayo
• Natura 2000 Case Study
• Grassroots Graveyard Project
• Study on Cross Axis Measures
• Joint Green Training Initative
• Tracing Field Names in Meath
• Village a Mecca for Crafts