Pictured at the announcement of the “Farming in Clare: What the Future Holds?” conference at the farm of Mícheál O’Dwyer in Doora, County Clare, (left to right) Geraldine Gregan; Aoibhinn O’Dwyer; Micheál O’Dwyer, Chair of Clare ICMSA; Joe Cooney TD; and Catríona Power, Clare Macra Na Feirme.
A MAJOR FARM conference looking at the future of the industry takes place in Ennis this week.
Farming in Clare: What the Future Holds is the title of the conference organised by Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) in partnership with the Clare branches of ICMSA, IFA, and Macra na Feirme. It takes place this Friday (September 12th) in Hotel Woodstock from 9am to 2pm.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon (FG) TD will join the opening panel, Farming: Success and Succession, alongside John Enright, General Secretary of the ICMSA, Conor O’Leary, Munster Regional Chair of the IFA, and Josephine O’Neill, National President of Macra na Feirme. The panel will examine the pressures and opportunities involved in sustaining farm businesses across generations.
A second panel, Redefining a Successful Farm in 2045, will feature Seán Kelly (FG) MEP, Nick McCarthy of Lúnasa Farm, Joe Melody of Melody Farm Eggs, agricultural solicitor Aisling Meehan, and Conor Geraghty, past chair of Veterinary Ireland. The discussion will focus on how farming is evolving in terms of profitability, innovation, and sustainability.
Delegates will also hear presentations on the SCEENE Project on the Loop Head Peninsula in West Clare and from Laurence Shalloo, Head of Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation at Teagasc. A showcase of farm-focused businesses will run throughout the day, offering networking opportunities with service providers and innovators in the sector.
Minister Heydon said, “Generational renewal is one of the most critical challenges facing Irish agriculture. Farm families are the backbone of our rural economy, and we need to ensure that younger farmers are supported to build viable and sustainable businesses. I am looking forward to receiving the final report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in the coming weeks, which will help guide future policy in this area. I am also delighted to meet members of the farming community in Clare at this important conference to hear their views directly and to secure their input on the issues that matter most to them”.
Deputy Cooney said the conference would provide a platform for Clare farmers to discuss succession planning, farm viability, and the future of rural communities. “I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by farm families and of the importance of the agricultural sector for our county. This event presents an opportunity for Clare farmers to come together with leading experts and National and European policy makers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities throughout the county. I would extend an open invitation to all to attend this free event”.
Attendance at the conference is free, but advance registration is required. Register at (https://tinyurl.com/ClareFarming).
