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- Sargent addresses World Food Summit

Published 18 November, 2009 Food security , International Closed
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18 November 2009

MINISTER SARGENT ADDRESSES UN WORLD FOOD SECURITY SUMMIT

Sargent calls for comprehensive global response to end world hunger

Speaking at the UN World Food Summit in Rome the Minister for Food and Horticulture, Trevor Sargent TD, called for an end to a “business as usual” approach to fighting world hunger. Heads of State, Prime Ministers and Agriculture Ministers from across the globe met to consider actions to combat the increasing levels of hunger worldwide, now reaching 1 billion people, which have been badly affected by the recent food price crises and the overall economic situation worldwide.
Noting Ireland’s support for the UN High Level Task Force, set up to address the recent food price crisis, Minister Sargent stated, ‘Countries must commit to a comprehensive global partnership, with a renewed approach to end hunger for good.’

Minister Sargent emphasised the need for long term solutions stating that, ‘Greater resources must be directed towards smallholder farmers and in particular towards women farmers’.
The Minister continued, ‘Policies to date have simply not worked and as a result 1 in every 6 people on the planet is starving. Speaking to Ministers at the summit, I pointed out that progress would not just be about the number of people that are hungry but the number of farmers that can make a living. This applies to Ireland as much as it does to Africa, because without oil in the future we will not have the same level of mechanisation and more people will be required to become involved in food growing. In spite of all the rhetoric, UN and World Trade Organisation policies are losing farmers and making more people hungry. This applies to north County Dublin as much as it does to Africa.’

The Minister met with Agriculture Ministers from around the world to establish a global alliance to fight climate change. They all recognised that food production is particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change. The Indian Agriculture Minister, for example, said that research had shown that for just a 2 degree centrigrade rise globally India would lose 12 million tonnes of wheat every year.’

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DOING THE ROUNDS IN SWORDS AND DONABATE – FIRST WEEKEND IN NOVEMBER 2009

Published 10 November, 2009 Donabate , Grow Your Own Food , Swords Closed

Trevor Sargent visited constituents over the weekend and reported as follows:

‘Glad to get a chance to call door to door in Swords in the last couple of days. Met people and discussed many issues in Bunbury, Bride’s Glen, Ard Cian, Cianlea, The Gallops and in Valley View.

I’m following up the taking in charge of Lios Cian although in fairness to the residents and all concerned, there is a pride in the estate which is evident from the way it is maintained at present.

I recall The Gallops last winter had the best snow man sculpture for miles. This is a small estate and seems to have a good community spirit.

Each estate however had several residents reeling from the effects of recent job losses. Whether high profile cases such as the exit of FLS, the renowned aircraft maintenance company, or smaller companies cutting back or public servants fearing the budget, all were difficult as there are no instant answers. The choice is stark, reduce expenditure so we are still as a country allowed to borrow short term to pay for wages and services OR fail to cut costs and thereby have our loan facility withdrawn. This would mean state cheques bouncing or even the issuing of IOU’s as California was forced to choose. If the International Monetary Fund has to come in, they cetainly will not be calling door to door.

There are some ways I can help however. An 8 month wait for the Social Insurance Fund and the waiting list in FAS require resources to be re-allocated. Losing a job is tough enough without being left on such a lenghty waiting list.  These are now priorities for me to address in the week to come with Government colleagues.

Donabate on Saturday was very interesting. In the Town Centre, I caught up with the Senior Citizens and they relieved me of a few euro to support their Christmas Party raffle. Then had a chat with the volunteers from the Community Council and the Tidy Town Committee who were on duty at the Fingal County Council Biodiversity Plan exhibition for the Donabate / Portrane peninsula. Given the interest locally in setting up a community garden, I extended an invitation to come along to the Grow it Yourself public meeting on Thursday 19th November at 8pm in the Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan, where Mick Kelly, the founder from Co. Waterford will be speaking and no doubt inspiring us to grow for Ireland. Less ‘Dig for Victory’ and more ‘Dig for a Healthy Recovery’!

Meanwhile, I bumped in to a daughter of a school friend of my Dad’s elder sister. Must pass on the phone number. After a few decades I’d say they have quite a bit of catching up to do.’

- Balbriggan Market Receives Award

Published 29 October, 2009 Balbriggan , Farmers markets Closed
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MINISTER SARGENT PRESENTS ‘GOOD PRACTICE STANDARD’ TO BALBRIGGAN FISH & FARMERS’ MARKET

Minister for Food and Horticulture Trevor Sargent TD, presented a ‘Bord Bia Good Practice Standard’ to Balbriggan Fish and Farmers’ Market on Friday 23rd October.

BB Market
Cllr. Ciarán Byrne (Mayor of Fingal), Trevor Sargent TD, Minister for Food & Horticulture, Michael Grimes (Market Coordinator) and Cllr. Monica Harford (Cathaoirleach of Balbriggan Town Council)

He continued, ‘Community based markets such as this are a vital way for producers to access their customers. The absence of Farmers’ markets in the past has resulted in the number of people involved in agriculture falling year by year. In 1980 there were 1,220 growers of fruit and vegetables in Ireland.  In 1990 that number had fallen to 780. In 2000 there were 540 and today there are just 280 left. Unless we have farmers’ markets that number will continue to fall.’

Note: Balbriggan Fish and Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday from 9.00am to 2.00pm. It has moved indoors from Georges Square to the Combined Clubs Community Centre on Dublin Street for the winter months. The market has proved a great success since its opening last June offering fresh fish, fruit, vegetables (including organic), home baking, award winning cheeses, organic eggs, Irish honey, juices, flowers and potted plants.

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- New DVD for Primary Schools on setting up an Organic Garden

Published 22 October, 2009 Grow Your Own Food , Horticulture , Malahide , Organics Closed
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22 october 2009

MINISTER SARGENT LAUNCHES SCHOOL GARDENING DVD

Minister for Food and Horticulture Trevor Sargent TD, recently launched an ‘Organic Gardening for Primary Schools’ DVD in JP1010013ohn Paul II National School, Malahide.

The DVD is a practical resource for primary schools that records the planning, development, and maintenance of four different school gardens over an 18-month period.

The Minister said, ‘It is fitting to be launching this DVD in John Paul II National School, the Dublin winner of the ‘Incredible Edibles’ campaign earlier this year. Students taking part in this new project will have a further opportunity to, among other things, learn how food is grown in an enjoyable and rewarding format.’

He continued, ‘A school garden can be a fun way to expand the school curriculum and develop student interest in growing healthy fresh food, creating a wildlife garden and composting. The skills learned can be transferred to the students own homes, thereby benefiting their own health and that of their families.’

- Balbriggan Market to receive National Award

Published 21 October, 2009 Balbriggan , Farmers markets , Fingal news Closed

21 October 2009

Minister for Food and Horticulture Trevor Sargent, TD for Dublin North, will present the ‘Bord Bia Good Practice Standard’ to the Balbriggan Fish & Farmers’ Market at noon on Friday, 23 October.

The presentation will take place in the Combined Clubs Community Centre, Dublin Street, Balbriggan where the market recently relocated for the winter months.good-practice-logo

Balbriggan Fish & Farmers’ Market, supported by the local Chamber of Commerce, Town Council and County Council, has proved a great success since its opening in June. The market offers a very full range including fresh fish, fruit, vegetables (including organic), home baking, award winning cheeses, organic eggs, Irish honey, juices, flowers and potted plants. Under the watchful eye of coordinator, Michael Grimes, standards have been kept very high. So high, in fact, that Minister Trevor Sargent TD will be presenting the market with this inaugural award on Friday.

Balbriggan Fish and Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday from 9.00am to 2.00pm.  There are only two markets in the Dublin area being awarded this year and Balbriggan is the only one north of the Liffey. This award is only made to farmers’ markets that offer quality produce, clear pricing and most importantly impeccable food safety. A substantial proportion of the food must come from local producers.

Everyone is welcome to attend this prestigious event. Visitors are advised to get there early.

Friday 23rd October – 12 noon – Combined Clubs Community Centre, Balbriggan.

- Support for Organic Farming in Renewed Programme for Government

Published 16 October, 2009 Horticulture , Organics 1 Comment
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16 October 2009

MINISTER SARGENT WELCOMES COMMITMENT IN PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT ORGANIC FARMING

Trevor Sargent TD, Minister for Food and Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has welcomed the commitment in the new Programme for Government to ensure that resources are provided to continue support for organic farming.  The Organic Farming Scheme will provide for payments to farmers, and the capital schemes of grant aid provides support for both on-farm and off-farm investment.

“This firm commitment should encourage farmers who might be considering the organic option for the first time to take it a step further and prepare to apply for support in 2010″, Minister Sargent said.  “In particular, they should now consider taking up the opportunity to attend the training courses organised by Teagasc which will be a requirement for entry to the Organic Farming Scheme when it reopens in January 2010.”

Note:

The relevant part of the new Programme for Government reads as follows:

Ensure the achievement of the target of 5% of land in organic agriculture and meet the growing demand for domestically produced organic produce by providing adequate resources and supports for the achievement of the target, with a focus on import substitution in areas where Ireland is under producing at present e.g. horticulture.  Beginning in 2010, and rising in subsequent years, stepping up supports for the Organic Farming Scheme for conversion to organic production, Capital Grants for the Organic Sector and Non-Capital costs.

- SARGENT HIGHLIGHTS TWIN CHALLENGES OF FOOD SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Published 16 October, 2009 Climate change , Community , Environment , Food security , International Closed
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16 October, 2009

MINISTER OF STATE SARGENT HIGHLIGHTS TWIN CHALLENGES OF FOOD SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Speaking on the occasion of World Food Day 2009, Mr. Trevor Sargent T.D. Minister of State for Food and Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food today emphasised that “notwithstanding our current economic difficulties, the positive aspects of Irish agriculture and food production need to be prioritised and must play their part if humanity is to sustain itself“. World Food Day, held every year on the anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, aims to highlight issues surrounding hunger and poverty in the developing world.

Referring to the recent report of the Irish Hunger Task Force, Minister Sargent reiterated the Irish Government’s commitment to take a leadership role internationally in eliminating hunger, specifically through “increasing smallholder sustainable agricultural productivity in Africa, targeting maternal and infant under-nutrition and working to ensure that governments internationally fulfil their commitments to eradicate hunger“. He also acknowledged that ‘Achieving Food Security in times of Crises and Climate Change’, which is the theme for this years World Food Day, is also central to addressing the scourge of hunger internationally.  He noted the increase in the number of chronically hungry people on the planet which now stands at over 1 Billion or one person in every six.

Given our increasingly urbanised global society, Minister Sargent stressed that “we need to consider where our food comes from and our joint responsibility to achieve food security. Even in a developed country like Ireland, it is incumbent on us to consider our own food security and, furthermore, how our natural advantages and expertise in food production can be leveraged to assist in meeting long-term increased global demand.”

He went on to state that climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity and it is imperative that “ambitious, legally enforceable, long-term global provisions to protect the planet are put in place”.  Ireland also has to play its part in this process and, in this regard, Minister Sargent concluded by highlighting some of the important climate change elements contained in the Renewed Programme for Government ratified last weekend.

Note :
World Food Day is a global initiative lead by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. It was started in 1980 and is held in countries throughout the world around October 16th. (This is the date on which FAO was established in 1945). The aim of World Food Day is to raise awareness about hunger and poverty in the developing world. Every year a different theme is selected for World Food Day. This year’s theme is ‘Achieving food security in times of crises and climate change’.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations was founded in 1945 with a mandate to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living, to improve agricultural productivity, and to better the conditions of rural populations. Since its inception, FAO has worked to alleviate poverty and hunger by promoting agricultural development, improved nutrition and the pursuit of food security. FAO is one of the largest specialised agencies in the United Nations system and the lead agency for agriculture, forestry, fisheries and rural development.

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- New Fingal Allotments

Published 12 October, 2009 Allotments , Balbriggan , Fingal news , Grow Your Own Food , Naul Closed

MINISTER SARGENT VISITS NEW FINGAL ALLOTMENTS

Success Story in North Dublin

Trevor Sargent, Minister for Food and Horticulture and local TD, recently visited new allotments in Balgaddy, Whitestown between Balbriggan and Naul in north County Dublin.

Last December, Jeannette Dunne and her husband Christopher ran an advertisement in local papers offering allotments for rent. In January, fifteen of the plots were taken and by the end of May all thirty had been allocated.

0910020044Each plot is approximately 120 sq. metres.  It is fenced with wired chestnut slats (see photographs) and has its own access from the road that runs through the site. Water is supplied by taps in each plot supplied from a natural spring. Before it is made available, the plot is ploughed and rotivated, ready for planting. When available, farmyard manure is provided free of charge and a site office provides toilets and shelter from the rain. They were taken up by people as young as 14, younger couples and older people nearing retirement. They include city dwellers, pilots, engineers, experienced growers as well as people who had never planted before. Such is the demand that the Dunnes are currently in the process of developing a second lot of allotments.

During a recent visit, Minister Trevor Sargent commented, ‘This is the kind of business venture which can be described as “counter-cyclic”, i.e. it has the potential to successfully expand and develop in recessionary times.’ also Highlighting the importance of allotments the Minister said, ‘Areas, such as this, provide valuable support for people who want to grow their own fresh fruit and vegetables and increases contact with other like-minded people.’

As farmers, Jeanette and her husband want to make good use of their assets. She sees the venture as a long-term business investment that will benefit her family. While an initial investment is required for fencing, water, toilets, ground preparation and such, she is confident that there is sufficient interest to ensure their efforts will pay off.

Besides learning about sustainability and the benefits of growing your own food, Jeanette also enthuses about other benefits to her and her family. Her “Let’s do it” approach came across when she commented, ‘As well as self-sufficiency, it teaches us about the value of money, how to make business decisions and how to invest wisely in order to get a return. The business has also provided an opportunity for us to meet people as well as having a lot of fun doing things together.’

Swords Allotments Survey

Published 2 October, 2009 Fingal news , Grow Your Own Food , Swords Closed
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Help to decide where the Swords Allotments will be.

If you live in or near Swords and are interested in having an allotment, please take a moment to take part in our survey. We want to see allotments in Swords. Tell us where you think they should be located. There are only two questions on the form and it’s completely anonymous. If you want to join our mailing list, make sure to give your email address, but this is completely optional.

Take the survey

This survey will remain open until the end of October. Come back here after that to see the result.

There is at least one proposal to develop private allotments near Swords. If you are a land-owner considering establishing allotments in the area please use the Contact Trevor form to let us know about your plans. We’ll be happy to let anyone interested know about your scheme.

Thanks for taking the time to give your feedback.

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- Sargent Reacts to News of Proposed Toxic Ash Storage Facility

Published 23 September, 2009 Environment , Fingal news , Horticulture , Naul , recycling Closed

23 September 2009

Toxic ash plan highlights the short-sighted reasoning of politicians who think incineration is an alternative to land-fill.

Minister for Food and Horticulture, Trevor Sargent TD, has reacted angrily to the news that a toxic ash repository is being proposed for north Fingal, given the importance of this area for farming, and horticulture in particular.

“Making a living from farming is already very difficult and presents challenges from low prices being paid by retailers as well as bad weather and the high cost of overheads. The notion of a toxic waste facility is a further headache. My fear is that this toxic facility plan would result in food production falling further and a loss of employment in a sector which is already struggling.

“I have spoken with the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, and his officials to make my feelings in this matter known and to relay the feelings of local residents and farmers in the area on hearing the news of this proposal on news programs today.”

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