Teagasc Applying to Field Test GM Potatoes as Part of EU Research Study

Teagasc are applying to the EPA for a licence to undertake a series of field studies using GM potatoes resistant to potato late blight disease to determine the potential impact this technology could have on our ecosystems.

Read more: Teagasc Applying to Field Test GM Potatoes as Part of EU Research Study

IOFGA Standards Training 2012

In January 2012 IOFGA introduced its new Organic Food and Farming Standards. A copy of the new manual has been circulated to all of our members. In order to assist with the introduction of these new standards IOFGA has organised training sessions for members who wish to attend to get more information about the changes in standards.

Read more: IOFGA Standards Training 2012

Health & Safety Authority News on Fatalities in Agriculture

A total of 55 workplace deaths were reported to the Health and Safety Authority during 2011 according to figures released recently. This represents a 15% increase on the 48 workplace deaths reported in 2010.

Read more: Health & Safety Authority News on Fatalities in Agriculture

HortiTrends Weekly Comment & News Digest Feb 23rd

Kinsealy Research Centre Should Close was the most read article last week and there have been some interesting comments left on the actual article itself. In case you didn't know already, you can leave a response to any article that is published on the site. John Lord and Karl Carolan left some interesting comments. See also a follow on response from Clare Daly TD Millions To Be Squandered on Unnecessary Teagasc Kinsealy Move.

Read more: HortiTrends Weekly Comment & News Digest Feb 23rd

Musgrave Enlists Oakland International for Food Collaboration

Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland and Musgrave Retail Partners GB are pulling together in a collaborative project involving Oakland International to offer Irish food producers a competitive supply chain solution to service Musgrave’s UK retail estate.

Read more: Musgrave Enlists Oakland International for Food Collaboration

Energy Show 2012

Organised by SEAI, the annual Energy Show is the flagship event for professionals in the energy sector. You can discover a world of smart energy solutions at the trade exhibition, while the seminar programme presents the latest sustainable energy opportunities for business, coupled with best practice case studies. A range of other events are set to make the Energy Show 2012 the best yet. Don't let your business miss out!

Read more: Energy Show 2012

Marketplace Results in €500k in Orders from China

The first contracts with China worth a total of over €500,000 were confirmed recently following Bord Bia’s Marketplace Event, according to the event’s project manager Tara McCarthy, director of consumer food and beverages at Bord Bia.

Read more: Marketplace Results in €500k in Orders from China

Dublin Event Attracts 520 Overseas Food Buyers

Over 520 food buyers from 28 countries across four continents were at Dublin's Convention Centre today to meet Irish companies that export food and drink. The event, organised by Bord Bia, was aimed at boosting overseas sales of Irish goods in the agri-foods sector.

Read more: Dublin Event Attracts 520 Overseas Food Buyers

Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Courses

Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Courses offered from Milford Care Centre choose between the 1 or 2 day courses.

Read more: Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Courses

Teagasc's Kinseally Research Centre to Close

The Minister for Agriculture has told the Dáil that Teagasc's Kinseally Research Centre should close. Minister Simon Coveney said that Teagasc cannot maintain four sites in the greater Dublin area.

Read more: Teagasc's Kinseally Research Centre to Close

Feeling the Pinch 6 - Helen King, Bord Bia

Presentation by Helen King, Head of Consumer Insight & Innovation, Feeling the Pinch: The Consumer Outlook – January 2012. The challenges ahead for the Irish Food and Drinks industry.

Read more: Feeling the Pinch 6 - Helen King, Bord Bia

Opportunities for Seed Potato Production

Exports of seed potatoes from Ireland have reduced to very small levels over the past ten years, but the current expansion of potato growing areas in developing countries could present a significant opportunity for Irish potato growers.

Read more: Opportunities for Seed Potato Production

10 Reasons to Go to World Potato Congress

World Potato Congress 2012 is a unique opportunity for solid business-building, according to Rob Clayton, director at Potato Council. “Reservations are now really starting to take off and great interest is being shown in industry tours. Delegates will all benefit from their participation in this unique event,” says Dr Clayton. “You will come away feeling recharged, motivated and inspired.”

Read more: 10 Reasons to Go to World Potato Congress

Local Groups Urged to Get Involved with Unique TUS Scheme

By OLIVIA RYAN - LOUTH LEADER Partnership have launched an appeal to community and voluntary groups across the county to take part in the TUS initiative.

Read more: Local Groups Urged to Get Involved with Unique TUS Scheme

Farmers Must do Their bit to Tackle Drought

By Philip Case - Farmers must do their bit to tackle drought. Farmers will be encouraged to set up water abstractor groups and consider on-farm water storage to mitigate drought conditions, DEFRA has said.

Read more: Farmers Must do Their bit to Tackle Drought

Wanted: Organic Veg Supplier

A UK based company is looking for good quality organic vegetables with Global Gap certification. A year round supply of predominantly carrots, potatoes, turnips, swede and onions is required from within Europe or the UK. Organic citrus may also be required.

Read more: Wanted: Organic Veg Supplier

FPJ’s Conference - Northern Ireland

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)’s senior supply chain development adviser Elaine Chapman will be starting off the presentations at FPJ’s conference on Northern Ireland’s fresh produce industry in Belfast.

Read more: FPJ’s Conference - Northern Ireland

IOFGA are Recruiting Organic Farm Inspectors

IOFGA are the largest organic certification body in Ireland and we are recuriting 3 part time Organic Farm Inspectors. Applicants must have a third level degree in agricultural science or an equivalent discipline. Third level studies must have included soil science, farm management, animal husbandry, crop production, farm buildings and farm waste management.

Read more: IOFGA are Recruiting Organic Farm Inspectors

CSA Conference at Cloughjordan

The Cloughjordan Community Farm

In association with the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS), The Soil Association (UK), Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA), URGENCI – Global Network of CSA’s, Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Cultivate, and FEASTA present:

Read more: CSA Conference at Cloughjordan

HortiTrends Poll - What are your Confidence Levels for the Business of Horticulture in 2012?

HortiTrends Poll - What are your Confidence Levels for the Business of Horticulture in 2012?