Home to most forward thinking farmers

CLARE is home to some of Ireland’s “most forward thinking farmers”, according to the head of one of the country’s farming organisations this week.
Cratloe man Eddie Punch, Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association general secretary, was in North Clare during the week with a group of Austrian organic farmers, who were visiting to see some Irish organic farming, as well as giving a few inside tips of the trade from an organically-forward nation.
The trip was organised by the ICSA and saw the group of over 40 farmers visit organic and non-organic farms in Offaly, Galway, Tipperary, Mayo and Kildare, as well as Clare.
“Organic farming can play an enormous role in the recovery of the Irish economy, as well as having a hugely positive benefit for farming itself. A move towards organic farming in Ireland would be extremely beneficial to production levels in the country. There is also a sense amongst Irish consumers that organic food is a safer food as people can generally find out where the food has originated from and that only the very best produce has gone into making it,” said Mr Punch.
“We have been keen to learn from these Austrian farmers, as well giving them an insight into how we currently farm. I think it was an excellent experience and we learned something from each other. Of course, Clare is an excellent example of some of Ireland’s finest land and some the country’s most forward-thinking farmers. Austria and their economy has benefited greatly from their commitment to organic farming and I’m fully convinced Ireland can do the same,” he concluded.