The UN has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity so if you want to explore some local treasures then join us for a 2 mile nature walk guided by nature specialist Pete Beaumont on Saturday 19th of June at 3.30pm from Carnahalla Heritage Centre, Cappawhite, Co Tipperary. For more information contact [email protected] or tel 086 0663838 or visit us on www.carnahalla.com
Organic Farm Walks 2010
Teagasc have announced the dates for their annual organic farm walks. This year there are 22 walks on demonstration organic farms covering the length and breath of the country. All sectors will be covered from organic vegetable production to organic dairy production. There is something on offer for everyone at the farm walks and if anyone is seriously considering conversion to organic farming then it is a great opportunity to see the innovatiion and developments currently taking place on organic farms around the country. For a list of the venues and dates please click the link below.
Organic Farming Scheme deadline fast approaching
The Minister for Sustainable Transport, Horticulture and Planning, Ciaran Cuffe TD, reminded farmers that the closing date for applications for the Organic Farming Scheme is Monday 17 May. The deadline is fixed by EU Regulations and no applications can be accepted after that.
“Farmers should give serious consideration to joining this Scheme,” Minister Cuffe said. “There are real opportunities in the organic sector. In spite of the economic downturn, the demand for organic food is steady and will continue to grow. The Irish organic retail market was estimated to be worth €124 million in 2009, compared to €66 million in 2006 and €38 million in 2003.”
Farmers in REPS 4 can also join the Organic Farming Scheme, as can those applying for the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS). However farmers in REPS 3 with contracts ending on or after 31 May cannot apply for the Organic Farming Scheme this year. Details of the Organic Farming Scheme can be found on the website of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/organicfarming/
2020 Submission
The Department of Agriculture Food and Fisheries called for stakeholders in the sector to submit their views on agriculture ost 2o13 and towards 2020. To read the full submission from IOA please click on the link below.
Socio-economic Implications of GM Cultivation in Ireland
In order to make an informed analysis on the impacts of GMO’ s it is important to examine the overall impact that the cultivation of GMO’s has had in countries where they have been growing them continually. It is very difficult to obtain data for countries south of the equator so the most obvious country to examine is the US where the technology originated and where they have had the most consistent production of this type of technology.
To read the full submission from IOA on this topic please click on the link below
