7 July, 2009
Major attendance at Teagasc Organic Farm Walk at Donegal Creameries An Grianán farm
Trevor Sargent T.D., Minister for Food and Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has expressed his delight at the numbers of farmers attending this seasons Teagasc Organic Farm Walks. Minister Sargent described the walks as a valuable way of encouraging farmers to consider exploring the potential benefits of converting their operations (or part of their operations) to organic production.
Following last Thursday evening’s walk on Ian Witherow’s farm in Burt Co. Donegal, attended by over 100 farmers, Minister Sargent said “I am delighted to learn of the numbers of farmers attending the walks, particularly the numbers of young farmers. Demand for organic product continues to rise despite the recession. Domestic demand rose by 11% according to the latest figures available.”
“Organic Farming can provide many profitable and rewarding options. Farm walks offer farmers the chance to learn first hand about the practicalities of organic farming. Having the opportunity to discuss all related topics with the host farmer, Teagasc, Department officials and representatives from the organic certification body is a chance not to be missed. I would encourage more farmers to attend the remaining upcoming organic farm walks”, added Minister Sargent.
INFO: Upcoming Organic Farm Walks
Tue 7 July 7pm
Derrick Forde, Drumcannon, Latton PO, Co. Monaghan -Beef & Sheep
Wed 8 July 7pm
Trevor Harris, Cooltrim, Donadea, Naas, Co. Kildare -Tillage, Beef & Sheep
Wed 15 July 7pm
Sean Clancy, Tonelmore, Cloghan Co. Offaly -Beef
Thu 16 July 7pm
John Forde, Knockatullera, Newmarket, Co. Cork -Beef, Sheep & Tillage
Wed 22 Jul 7pm
Noel Lynch, Ballymakeera, Macroom, Co. Cork -Beef, Sheep & Tillage
Frid 24 Jul 7pm
Harry O’Grady Finnitterstown Hse, Adare, Co. Limerick -Beef, Sheep & Tillage
Wed 12 Aug 7pm
Dominic Leonard, Castlewood House, Durrow, Co. Laois -Beef, Sheep, Pigs & Tillage
Thu 13 Aug 7pm
David Notley, Aughamore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim -Beef and Sheep
Wed 26 Aug 6pm
Richard Moeran, Farrenconnell Estate, Mountnugent, Co. Cavan -Beef, Sheep, Pigs & Tillage
Frid 28 Aug 2pm
Peter and JennyYoung, Castlefarm, Athy, Co. Kildare -Farm Shop, Horticulture, Farm Diversifications
Thu 3 Sep 2pm
Philip Dreaper, Coolnagrower, Fortral, Birr, Co. Offaly -Fieldscale Vegetables
Tue 8 Sept 6pm
Batt and Ger Sheehan, Ballymounteen, Ballynoe, Mallow, Co. Cork -Dairying & Tillage
Wed 9 Sept 6pm
Fintan Rice, Everardgrange, Fethard, Co. Tipperary -Dairying
Thu 17 Sept 6pm
Padraig Fahy and Una Ni Bhroin, Beechlawn Ballinasloe, Co. Galway -Horticulture Crops
Fri 18 Sep 2pm
County Wexford Organic Centre, Cushingstown, Foulksmills, Co. Wexford -Horticulture Crops, Fieldscale Vegetables
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