Minister Sargent welcomes great interest in Organic Farming Option - Major attendance at Teagasc Organic Farm Walk at Donegal Creameries An Grianán Farm

Mr. Trevor Sargent T.D., Minister for Food and Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has expressed his delight at the numbers of farmers attending this seasons Teagasc Organic Farm Walks. Minister Sargent described the walks as a valuable way of encouraging farmers to consider exploring the potential benefits of converting their operations (or part of their operations) to organic production.

Following last Thursday evening's walk on Ian Witherow's farm in Burt Co. Donegal, attended by over 100 farmers, Minister Sargent said "I am delighted to learn of the numbers of farmers attending the walks, particularly the numbers of young farmers. Demand for organic product continues to rise despite the recession. Domestic demand rose by 11% according to the latest figures available."

"Organic Farming can provide many profitable and rewarding options. Farm walks offer farmers the chance to learn first hand about the practicalities of organic farming. Having the opportunity to discuss all related topics with the host farmer, Teagasc, Department officials and representatives from the organic certification body is a chance not to be missed. I would encourage more farmers to attend the remaining upcoming organic farm walks", added Minister Sargent.

Upcoming Organic Farm Walks

Tuesday, 7th July 7pm	Derrick Forde, Drumcannon, Latton PO, Co. Monaghan	Beef & Sheep
Wednesday, 8th July 7pm	Trevor Harris, Cooltrim, Donadea, Naas, Co. Kildare	Tillage, Beef & Sheep
Wednesday, 15th July 7pm	Sean Clancy, Tonelmore, Cloghan Co. Offaly	Beef
Thursday, 16th July 7pm	John Forde, Knockatullera, Newmarket, Co. Cork	Beef, Sheep & Tillage
Wednesday, 22nd July 7pm	Noel Lynch, Ballymakeera, Macroom, Co. Cork	Beef, Sheep & Tillage
Friday, 24th July 7pm	Harry O'Grady Finnitterstown Hse, Adare, Co. Limerick	Beef, Sheep & Tillage
Wednesday, 12th Aug 7pm	Dominic Leonard, Castlewood House, Durrow, Co. Laois	Beef, Sheep, Pigs & Tillage
Thursday,13th Aug 7pm	David Notley, Aughamore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim	Beef and Sheep
Wednesday, 26th Aug 6pm	Richard Moeran, Farrenconnell Estate, Mountnugent, Co. Cavan	Beef, Sheep, Pigs & Tillage
Friday, 28th Aug 2pm	Peter and JennyYoung, Castlefarm, Athy, Co. Kildare	Farm Shop, Horticulture, Farm Diversifications
Thursday, 3rd Sept 2pm	Philip Dreaper, Coolnagrower, Fortral, Birr, Co. Offaly	Fieldscale Vegetables
Tuesday, 8th Sept 6pm	Batt and Ger Sheehan, Ballymounteen, Ballynoe, Mallow, Co. Cork	Dairying & Tillage
Wednesday, 9th Sept 6pm	Fintan Rice, Everardgrange, Fethard, Co. Tipperary	Dairying
Thursday, 17th Sept 6pm	Padraig Fahy and Una Ni Bhroin, Beechlawn Ballinasloe, Co. Galway	Horticulture Crops
Friday, 18th Sept 2pm	County Wexford Organic Centre, Cushingstown, Foulksmills, Co. Wexford	Horticulture Crops & Fieldscale Vegetables

Date Released: 07 July 2009