Search Results for 'agri-food sector'

High profile entrepreneurs to deliver part-time course at the Galway campus

Deputy Peter Burke, Fine Gael TD for Longford/ Westmeath has this week been informed by the Minister for Agriculture that sheep farmers in this constituency and nationwide have been in receipt of over €617 million euro in government supports.

Six third-level Agricultural science students, including Mairead Fox from Moate, have received The Agricultural Science Association’s (ASA) professional work experience travel bursaries.

GMIT has been awarded funding for a unique project called Creating Entrepreneurs in Food, which aims to build food innovation and entrepreneurship-focused rural communities and economies in the west, and develop a model for Ireland and Europe.

Minister for Finance Michael Noonan and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe presented the first Budget of the Minority Government Fine Gael-Independent Coalition. Ministers Noonan and Donohoe announced that the total Budget package of €1.3bn favours expenditure increases over revenue reductions by three to one reflecting the Government’s commitment to rebuilding and investing in public services. More detail will be included in the Finance Bill to be published later this month.

The agri-food and drink sector in Ireland is a €10.8 billion industry, and one of Ireland’s most important economically, but the greenhouse gases emitted from milk and meat production in the sector makes it one of the largest sources of pollution nationwide.

Longford-Westmeath Deputy, Willie Penrose, has been appointed Labour spokesperson for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Rural Affairs, and Social Protection.

In his budget day speech, Minister Michael Noonan recognised the significant role played by the farming and agri-food sector in Ireland’s economic recovery. This important sector employs approximately 169,000 people across the country and its produce is one of Ireland’s top 10 exported commodities.   

Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Dara Calleary says the party’s new agriculture policy will ensure that farmers are given a fair deal when it comes to pricing and farm profitability.  The strategy, “Securing fair process and increased profitability for farmers,” demonstrates Fianna Fáil’s commitment to family farming and seeks to protect the viability of these important businesses.