Tag Archives: Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney

The prospect of opening up the Chinese beef market  will be of benefit to Clare farmers, according to Deputy Joe Carey. “The largest ever Irish agri-food trade mission to China, led by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, has resulted in a major break through for Irish beef producers,” the Clare Fine Gael TD said. Following two years of technical engagement between the Irish Department of Agriculture and their Chinese counterparts, it has been agreed that a formal inspection team from China will visit Ireland next month to advance the arrangements. “The Irish beef industry will have a golden opportunity in December to showcase to the Chinese delegation our world class beef product. The potential here for Irish farmers is enormous. For example, demand for beef in China is expected to rise by one million tonnes over the next five years. Along with a potential spin off for beef farmers, we are also looking at access to the Chinese market for sheep meat, …

Farmers have been advised to move quickly to take full advantage of the new Farm Safety Scheme announced by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney on Wednesday. “The window for action on this is quite narrow, as the closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, January 9, 2015 and all work must be completed and a payment claim lodged with the Department by Monday, August 31, 2015,” explained ICSA Connacht/Ulster vice-president, John Flynn. “ICSA welcomes the minister’s constructive use of funds available under the old 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme,” continued Mr Flynn, who represents ICSA on the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (FSPAC). “Given the number of slurry -related accidents and deaths, it’s good to see that safety fencing and covers for external slurry and effluent stores are covered by the scheme, and from a drystock perspective, the inclusion of sheep and cattle handling facilities is very welcome. ICSA has already lobbied for the targeting of TAMS funding for such facilities.” …