Page 13 - Guerin Media Ltd. | 2014 National Ploughing Catalogue
P. 13
Message from the Minister for
AGRICULTURE, FOOD
& THE MARINE
The National Ploughing Championship is a central event in the
agricultural calendar year and I am delighted to be associated
with it. I would particularly like to congratulate Anna May and
her team in staging another well organised event, building on the
success of the Ploughing Championship at this site last year. It is
only through the dedication and commitment of the organisers,
volunteers and the support of those living in the locality that
an event of this size and importance can be successfully staged.
The National Ploughing Championship has become a tremendous The formal agreement of the RDP with the EU is a matter of priority
showcase for Irish Agriculture, bringing together the very best in for my Department. A total allocation of EU funding of €2.19 billion
livestock, agricultural produce, crafts and trade representation. At is available to Ireland for the new RDP. The Government’s continuing
its core however, remain the numerous ploughing competitions commitment to strategic investment in the agri-food sector and the
and I would like to wish the competitors from both home and rural economy is evidenced by the provision of matching Exchequer
abroad, the very best of luck and favourable ground. With over funding to bring the total allocation for the range of schemes to
200,000 visitors, the Ploughing championship is a fantastic some €4 billion over the lifetime of the new RDP. These schemes
opportunity to see the very best that agriculture has to offer, an will be a key support in enhancing the competitiveness of the agri-
opportunity to conduct business but also a chance to renew old food sector, achieving more sustainable management of natural
friendships and acquaintances. Every year sees new innovative resources and ensuring a more balanced development of rural areas.
elements and ideas added to the itinerary and there is truly Finally I cannot let this opportunity go however without addressing
something here for all the family. Farm Safety. This year has been a particularly difficult one with an
unfortunately high number of farm fatalities and accidents. Farming
I anticipate that the quality of farm produce on display this year is the most dangerous occupation in Ireland, accounting for half of
will be superb. Unlike the very difficult spring of 2013, weather all workplace fatalities across all sectors. The farm is a workplace,
conditions this year have been excellent for farming both in terms but in most cases it is also the site of the family home and it is
of delivering quantity but also quality. Market returns have been critical that farm families focus on safety first in all farm tasks,
mixed across the various sectors, particularly strong for dairy sparing the tremendous grief and loss suffered by those left behind
commodities but there is pressure on beef markets both in Ireland to cope with the aftermath of a fatal accident on the farm.
and internationally. As a major exporter of beef, we are not immune
from the drop in prices compared to the high prices received last I would like to congratulate the National Ploughing Association on
year. Nonetheless, I’m confident that the outlook for the sector staging such a significant event, now in its 83rd season and wish
is positive. My focus has been on engaging with producers and everyone visiting an enjoyable and successful three days.
processors to ensure the sector overcomes current market
weaknesses while positioning it for longer term opportunities. Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Improving the quality of the national herd, strengthening the
position of producers, and anticipating evolving market demands
are some of the ways we can safeguard our future competitiveness.
We are also widening our market reach with a focus on opening
new markets such as the United States, Japan, Hong Kong and
developing opportunities through trade missions to the Gulf States,
China and other countries.
Earlier this summer, I announced the submission of Ireland’s draft Simon Coveney, TD,
Rural Development Programme 2014-2010 to the EU commission. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine
13
AGRICULTURE, FOOD
& THE MARINE
The National Ploughing Championship is a central event in the
agricultural calendar year and I am delighted to be associated
with it. I would particularly like to congratulate Anna May and
her team in staging another well organised event, building on the
success of the Ploughing Championship at this site last year. It is
only through the dedication and commitment of the organisers,
volunteers and the support of those living in the locality that
an event of this size and importance can be successfully staged.
The National Ploughing Championship has become a tremendous The formal agreement of the RDP with the EU is a matter of priority
showcase for Irish Agriculture, bringing together the very best in for my Department. A total allocation of EU funding of €2.19 billion
livestock, agricultural produce, crafts and trade representation. At is available to Ireland for the new RDP. The Government’s continuing
its core however, remain the numerous ploughing competitions commitment to strategic investment in the agri-food sector and the
and I would like to wish the competitors from both home and rural economy is evidenced by the provision of matching Exchequer
abroad, the very best of luck and favourable ground. With over funding to bring the total allocation for the range of schemes to
200,000 visitors, the Ploughing championship is a fantastic some €4 billion over the lifetime of the new RDP. These schemes
opportunity to see the very best that agriculture has to offer, an will be a key support in enhancing the competitiveness of the agri-
opportunity to conduct business but also a chance to renew old food sector, achieving more sustainable management of natural
friendships and acquaintances. Every year sees new innovative resources and ensuring a more balanced development of rural areas.
elements and ideas added to the itinerary and there is truly Finally I cannot let this opportunity go however without addressing
something here for all the family. Farm Safety. This year has been a particularly difficult one with an
unfortunately high number of farm fatalities and accidents. Farming
I anticipate that the quality of farm produce on display this year is the most dangerous occupation in Ireland, accounting for half of
will be superb. Unlike the very difficult spring of 2013, weather all workplace fatalities across all sectors. The farm is a workplace,
conditions this year have been excellent for farming both in terms but in most cases it is also the site of the family home and it is
of delivering quantity but also quality. Market returns have been critical that farm families focus on safety first in all farm tasks,
mixed across the various sectors, particularly strong for dairy sparing the tremendous grief and loss suffered by those left behind
commodities but there is pressure on beef markets both in Ireland to cope with the aftermath of a fatal accident on the farm.
and internationally. As a major exporter of beef, we are not immune
from the drop in prices compared to the high prices received last I would like to congratulate the National Ploughing Association on
year. Nonetheless, I’m confident that the outlook for the sector staging such a significant event, now in its 83rd season and wish
is positive. My focus has been on engaging with producers and everyone visiting an enjoyable and successful three days.
processors to ensure the sector overcomes current market
weaknesses while positioning it for longer term opportunities. Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Improving the quality of the national herd, strengthening the
position of producers, and anticipating evolving market demands
are some of the ways we can safeguard our future competitiveness.
We are also widening our market reach with a focus on opening
new markets such as the United States, Japan, Hong Kong and
developing opportunities through trade missions to the Gulf States,
China and other countries.
Earlier this summer, I announced the submission of Ireland’s draft Simon Coveney, TD,
Rural Development Programme 2014-2010 to the EU commission. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine
13
