First MSc in Organic Horticulture

Approval has been granted for a new training programme in the form of an MSc in Organic Horticulture. The programme has been developed by Professor Peter Jones, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), UCC and Mr. Eoin Lettice also from BEES.

Read more: First MSc in Organic Horticulture

OGI Launch New Website and Announce Farm Walks

The Organic Growers of Ireland launched their new website in early May which will hopefully be a great resource for Ireland’s organic growers. The web address is organicgrowersireland.org so log on and feedback is welcome.

Read more: OGI Launch New Website and Announce Farm Walks

First MSc in Organic Horticulture

Approval has been granted for a new training programme in the form of an MSc in Organic Horticulture. The programme has been developed by Professor Peter Jones, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), UCC and Mr. Eoin Lettice also from BEES.

Read more: First MSc in Organic Horticulture

CHA to Promote Export Opportunities for Fresh Produce Sector at Fruit Focus 2012

Opportunities for British exporters to exhibit on UK Pavilions at Fruit Logistica 2013, Berlin.

CHA will be using Fruit Focus 2012 to promote export opportunities to the UK fresh produce industry. In particular the association will be inviting interested British companies to exhibit on its dedicated UK pavilion at Fruit Logistica 2013 in Berlin, Germany (6-8 Feb).

Read more: CHA to Promote Export Opportunities for Fresh Produce Sector at Fruit Focus 2012

CHA Secures Enhanced UKTI Funding for UK Exporters

Over £100,000 funding secured for British horticultural businesses to reach export markets.

The Commercial Horticultural Association (CHA) has been successful in securing over £100,000 of government grant support for 2012-13 on behalf of its members and the British horticultural sector, under UK Trade & Investment’s Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP).

Read more: CHA Secures Enhanced UKTI Funding for UK Exporters

Vita Launches Potato Centre of Excellence in Africa

“The Vita Potato Centre of Excellence is a key solution to the African food challenge.”

A major €5m Vita Potato Centre of Excellence that will increase the supply of food in African countries is being launched on June 13th 2012 by Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, TD. The Potato Centre of Excellence is a programme for growing Irish potatoes in Gamo Gofa in Southern Ethiopia to enable the two million population to feed themselves in the long term.

Read more: Vita Launches Potato Centre of Excellence in Africa

HortiTrends Weekly Comment & News Digest June 21st

The news as usual speaks for itself this week if you have the time to read it, that is. Probably too busy and maybe relying on your trade associations to keep you updated and also to be making the right representations on your behalf to the powers that be.

Read more: HortiTrends Weekly Comment & News Digest June 21st

Dail Questions - Best Practice for Horticulture Courses Content

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) asks the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the external examiner assigned to agricultural colleges is required to liaise with the horticulture industry in terms of establishing current best practices and approaches when assessing the course content examination methods and certification standards for trainees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Read more: Dail Questions - Best Practice for Horticulture Courses Content

Dail Questions - Bord Bia Contributed €450,000 to €3million Cost of Bloom 2012

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) asks the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount allocated by his Department and-or An Bord Bia for the purposes of TV gardening shows; if he is satisfied that the programmes concerned emphasise the skill of planting; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Read more: Dail Questions - Bord Bia Contributed €450,000 to €3million Cost of Bloom 2012

Dail Questions - FÁS Horticulture Training Programmes

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) asked the Minister for Education and Skills the procedure that is currently used by FÁS in selecting persons and assessing their suitability to undertake courses in horticulture as part of reskilling; if FÁS have engaged with representatives of the horticultural industry in terms of candidate selection and course contents; if, as part of the creation of SOLAS, he will require the horticulture industry to be consulted in the re-design of any new courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Read more: Dail Questions - FÁS Horticulture Training Programmes

OGI Farm Walks 2012

The OGI (Organic Growers of Ireland) have 5 specialist farm walks on organic horticulture farms.

Read more: OGI Farm Walks 2012

Recession Spurs Organic Growth in Europe

2011 was another growth year for organic food in Europe. Economic austerity has apparently not deterred consumers from purchasing organic food.

Read more: Recession Spurs Organic Growth in Europe

Farry Launches Innovative Action Plan for Food & Drink Industry

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry today launched the Food and Drink Manufacturing Sector Plan during a visit to Moy Park’s processing plant in Craigavon

~ Wednesday, 13 June 2012

Read more: Farry Launches Innovative Action Plan for Food & Drink Industry

17th International Nitrogen Workshop Comes to Ireland

The 17th International Nitrogen Workshop will take place in Wexford from 26th to 29th June. This is first time the event will take place in the Republic of Ireland, bringing together over 300 scientists from 34 countries.

Read more: 17th International Nitrogen Workshop Comes to Ireland

Exhibitor Opportunities at HortiFair 2012 - Join the UK Pavilion

£1000 grant funding available to eligible exhibitors

Opportunities are still available for companies wishing to exhibit on the UK Pavilions at HortiFair 2012 in Amsterdam (30 Oct -2 Nov) - the leading international show for Technology, Innovation & Inspiration in Horticulture.

Read more: Exhibitor Opportunities at HortiFair 2012 - Join the UK Pavilion

Ireland Launches a New Organic Focus Group

Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine today launched Organic Focus, a new national group which aims to act as a driving force for the development of the Organic Sector in Ireland.

Read more: Ireland Launches a New Organic Focus Group

Minister Hogan unveils Environment Partnership Fund

Ireland's environment minister Phil Hogan has allocated €337,000 to the Environment Partnership Fund 2012.

Read more: Minister Hogan unveils Environment Partnership Fund

Dail Questions - Horticulture Funding

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) asks the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding committed to in his Department for capital projects; if he will provide details of the projects and funding committed; the funds that have been drawn down for the projects; when the balance will be drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Read more: Dail Questions - Horticulture Funding

Dail Questions - Deputy Patrick O’Donovan - The Need to Establish a National Strategy for the Development of the Horticulture Industry

Seán Barrett (Ceann Comhairle; Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle) I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 27A and the name of the Member in each case: (1) Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly -

Read more: Dail Questions - Deputy Patrick O’Donovan - The Need to Establish a National Strategy for the...

Dail Questions - Horticulture Industry Size and Chemical Standards

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) asks the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the annual value of the horticulture industry; the numbers of persons employed in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Read more: Dail Questions - Horticulture Industry Size and Chemical Standards