Crop Variety Evaluation Programme Review Is Completed

Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen has confirmed that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has completed an in-depth review of the Crop Variety Evaluation programme.

Among the key recommendations of the review are restructuring within the Department to reduce costs, greater collaboration with Teagasc, changes to the cereal and grass trialling protocols and introduction of some cost recovery.

As part of Ireland's Statutory obligation under EU Legislation for the marketing of agricultural plant varieties, the Department carries out National List trials on all of the major crops being grown in Ireland including cereals, grasses, oilseed rape and potatoes. In addition to the Statutory function carried out with respect to National List trials, the Department goes a step further and carries out an enhanced programme of Recommended List trials. These trials provide a comprehensive guide for Irish farmers in choosing the most suitable varieties for growing in Ireland.

According to Minister of State Killeen: “The Crop Variety Evaluation work provides an independent service whereby farmers can be confident that the recommended varieties perform well under a wide range of growing conditions. The contribution of improved varieties to increased production of wheat and barley is significant. Today, Ireland is among the highest yield of cereals per hectare in the world.”

The local T.D. noted the importance of exploring every opportunity to make savings, improve efficiencies, and improve the competitiveness of Irish agriculture production through the availability of the best varieties of cereals and grasses.

He added; “Crop variety trialling costs will be reduced by over 20% by amalgamating two Divisions within the Department - Crop Variety Evaluation and Seed Certification Divisions - and redeploying a number of staff to other areas of work. Department officials are in on-going discussions with Teagasc on making changes to both the grass and cereal evaluation protocols."

It is planned to introduce the new protocols in 2010. The grass trials will put greater weighting on grazing reflecting the increasing emphasis on low cost extended grazing systems for dairy and beef production. For cereals, the Department has agreed to include a number of Teagasc BETTER tillage farms as sites for trialling which will facilitate improved knowledge transfer to the commercial cereal growers. The review also recommends a contribution from industry towards the annual costs of providing the service. Charges for crop variety evaluation are in place in other EU Member States. The Department will continue to carry a proportion of the burden of cost.

Killeen Welcomes Transfer Of Foreshore Licensing Functions

Fisheries Minister and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen has welcomed the publication of the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Bill 2009, which will give effect to the transfer of all Foreshore licensing functions not associated with aquaculture and sea-fishing, from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The State’s Foreshore stretches from the High Water Mark seawards for 12 nautical miles and foreshore consents are issued under the Foreshore Acts 1933-2005.

Minister of State Killeen said he expected that the legislation would commence its passage through the Oireachtas later this month.

He added: “Following enactment of this legislation, responsibility for Foreshore consents in respect of commercial projects on the Foreshore including, marinas, harbour and port developments and all energy related developments will become the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.”

Minister of State Killeen noted that the Bill was major step towards the development of a modern planning and development framework for the State’s Foreshore.

“This Bill will align licensing of major commercial offshore development projects with the core functions of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which already has responsibility for planning issues”, he concluded.

Ballynacally Blossoms At Clare Community Environmental Awards 09

Communities across the County were honoured at the 2009 Community Environmental Awards ceremony, which was held at Aras Chontae an Chlair in Ennis this evening.

Ballynacally was named as the overall winner of the ‘Clare In Bloom’ competition, scoring highly in the landscaping, range of planting, colour and litter control categories. Mayor of Clare Cllr. Tony Mulcahy presented the Ballynacally Development Association with a cheque of 1500 euro.

The annual competition is a motivational mechanism for the many small local based groups throughout the county to enhance the visual impact of their towns and villages by means of flower, tree and shrub planting. Judging takes place from mid July to mid August, considers such factors as colour, size, variety, location and appropriateness of the various planting schemes along with the management of litter. Categories are based on population size with a first, second and third prize in each category of 1000 euro, 400 euro and 200 euro respectively.

This year’s competition attracted marks towards waste prevention, maintaining bring banks and energy initiatives.

Category 1 was won by Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee, who finished ahead of Quin Development Committee (2nd) and Shannon Tidy Towns (3rd). St. Mary’s Community Development in Lissycasey was named the winner of Category 2, with Kildysart Tidy Towns and Kilmihil Tidy Towns achieving second and third places, respectively. Category 3 was won by Ballyvaughan Tidy Towns with Knock Tidy Village Committee in second and Labasheeda Community Pride in third.

Special Endeavour Awards went to Lisdoonvarna and Bridgetown. Lisdoonvarna, renowned for its matchmaking festival and dancing, impressed the judges with the couple dancing at the Square surrounded by flowers in bloom creating a sense of vibrancy. Picturesque Bridgetown also impressed the judges with the overall appearance of the village, which was a blaze of colour during the adjudicating period. Judges were also impressed by the imaginative use of the bicycle.

The Mayor’s Environmental Award, together with perpetual trophy for 2009 and a cheque for 1,000 euro, was awarded to Tuamgraney Development Association. The historic village of Tuamgraney was a blaze of colour during the adjudicating period. Judges concluded that community spirit and pride of place were clearly evident in this village.

Addressing those in attendance at the awards ceremony, Mayor of Clare Cllr. Tony Mulcahy said it was heart warming to see the excitement and pride of all participating communities.

He continued: “The Clare In Bloom competition would not exist without the strong sense of community spirit that exists throughout Clare. The county would also be missing out on the care, pride and colour that is so evident from the efforts of participating towns and villages. Clare County Council hopes to continue to enjoy a positive and co-operative working relationship with local groups. By working together, there is a greater chance of success in protecting the environment.”

According to Councillor Joe Arkins, Chairperson of the Environmental and Water Services Strategic Policy Committee: “Community groups the length and breadth of Clare are doing excellent work to improve the environment around us. I would encourage more groups to get involved with the Tidy Towns competition, in which we have been performing exceptionally well during recent years. Information on how to register for the national competition is available from the Environment Section of Clare County Council.”

Betty Devanny, Administrative Officer with Clare County Council acknowledged the generous contributions received from the sponsors of the awards.

“I would like to thank ESB Moneypoint, Roche Ireland and Shannon Development whose continuing support enables Clare County Council to award prizes worthy of the effort shown by applicants”, Ms. Devanny stated.