Teagasc Tillage Conference Assesses Impact of CAP Reform

16 January, 2004

The impact of the fundamental changes in EU policy on tillage farming in Ireland will be one of the key topics addressed at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference, which takes place in the Dolmen Hotel, Carlow on Wednesday, 28 January from 10am to 4.30pm.

Teagasc economist, Fiona Thorne, will outline the results of analysis on the impact of the reforms on tillage farming.

The conference will also hear the views of a leading French expert on the price and market prospects for grain over the coming years.

Announcing details of the conference, Dr Jimmy Burke, Head of the Teagasc Tillage Research Centre at Oak Park, Carlow, said the lift in grain prices last harvest was due largely to poor yields in some of the world’s main grain producing regions.

“A return to more normal yields in these regions may put pressure on grain prices in 2004. Farmers attending our conference will benefit from the expertise of one of Europe’s foremost grain market experts,” he said.

The conference will also hear about latest technology in disease and weed control from Teagasc scientists and tillage advisory specialists. Results of detailed Teagasc monitoring of resistance of some cereal diseases to chemicals will also be outlined. This, according to Jimmy Burke, is a major source of worry for tillage farmers.

As we approach the introduction of the new EU policy on 1 January, 2005, those attending the conference will be particularly interested in the views of leading Cork tillage farmer, Martin O’Regan, on his future in tillage farming.

For enquiries and advance booking, anyone interested in attending the conference should contact Pauline Murray at Teagasc Oak Park, Ph: 059 9170200; Email: pmurray@oakpark.teagasc.ie.