Teagasc Hold Series of Organic Farm Walks
2 June 2005
Teagasc in association with Department of Agriculture and the Organic Certifying Bodies have organised a series of Open Days, which will provide an opportunity to those interested in organic farming, to see a wide variety of organic farming systems and situations.
Speaking at the announcement of the Organic Farm Open Days, Mr. Ger Shortle, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle Organic Unit said that demand for organic food continues to increase. Organic food is perceived by a growing number of Irish consumers as a quality product which meets their demands for wholesome food.
Mr. Shortle said, “the growth in farmers markets is now providing an outlet for organic produce in many towns around the countryside and there are an increasing number of outlets providing organic products”.
Continuing he said “As well as the consumer interest in organic products leading to an increased interest in the sector, farmers are also attracted to organic farming because it complies with all environmental requirements and may suit many farmers who decide to farm more extensively post-decoupling. In addition organic farming attracts higher payments for farmers engaged in the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS).
The series of Open Days will provide an opportunity to analyse what organic farming is all about. There will be an opportunity to speak with experienced organic farmers as well as Teagasc and Department of Agriculture and Food staff. The organic Certifying Bodies will be represented at each Open Day and there will be an opportunity to discuss organic standards and certification with them.
There are a total of 13 Open Days at locations right around the country. Details are given below and farmers are advised to select the farm and system that suits them and make the effort to attend so that they will have real information on which to base their decision making.
|
Date |
Time |
Location |
Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 4th June | 2.00pm | John McDonnell, Shalvanstown, Rathkenny, Slane, Co. Meath. | cattle / tillage / sheep |
| Wednesday, 8th June | 2.00pm | Jimmy Mulhall, Coolanowle, Ballickmoyler, Co. Laois. | dairying / tillage / drystock |
| Thursday, 9th June | 2.00pm | Pat Mulrooney, Manganstown, Kilsheelan, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. | dairying |
| Saturday, 11th June | 2.00pm | Philip Dreaper, Coolnagrower, Fortral, Birr, Co. Offaly. | tillage / field scale horticulture |
| Tuesday, 14th June | 5.00pm | Ernest Mackey, Ballinclea, Donard, Co. Wicklow | suckling / sheep |
| Tuesday 14th June | 7.00pm | Dominic Quinn, Castleruddery, Donard, Co. Wicklow. | vegetable production |
| Thursday, 30th June | 2.00pm | Ben & Charlotte Colchester, Drumneen, The Islands, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny. | suckling / drystock / cereals / forestry / poultry |
| Tuesday 19th July | 7.00pm | Pat McCormack, Glanquin, Kilnaboy, Ennis, Co. Clare. | suckling / sheep |
| Thursday, 21st July | 2.00pm | Stuart Kingston, Forrest House, Farnanes, Co. Cork. | Beef / Tillage |
| Saturday 23rd July | 2.00pm | Jason Horner, Leen, Rathclooney, Crusheen, Co. Clare. | vegetable production |
| Saturday 30th July | 2.00pm | David Notley, Aughamore Organic Farm, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. | suckler cows / sheep |
| Wednesday 10th August | 7.00pm | Teagasc Mellows Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway. | dairying / tillage / sheep |
| Wednesday, 17th August | 7.00pm | Jeremiah & Nora Flynn, Craughmore, Firies, Farranfore, Co. Kerry. | drystock / vegetables / poultry |
Ends
Issued by
Larry O’Loughlin, A/Head, Public Relations Department, Teagasc
Tel. 059 9131408; 087 2562434; Email: loloughlin@hq.teagasc.ie
