2007 Press Releases
The Future for the Rural Economy - UCC Conference
25 Jun 2007
Planning a vibrant rural economy in the 21st century will be the focus
for discussion at the International Farm Management Association (IFMA)
World Congress taking place in UCC next month.
Titled: "A vibrant rural economy - the challenge for balance", the
Congress, which runs from July 15th-20th, will address global and local
challenges facing rural communities worldwide. Organised by UCC and
Teagasc, in partnership with IFMA, this is the 16th International Farm
Management Association (IFMA) Congress and the first time it will be
hosted in Ireland.
Keynote speakers include Peter Kendall, Vice-President, COPA, Brussels,
Lord Christopher Haskins, UK, Tom Arnold, CEO, Concern Worldwide and
Tom Kirley, Acting Director, Teagasc. These speakers will address
global food industry trends, debate contrasting rural development
challenges in developed and developing countries and consider policies
for future global agriculture. Séamus O'Reilly, one of the
conference organisers, referred to the many challenges facing local
rural communities in adjusting changing times: "the changing rural
economy presents many challenges and opportunities, while agriculture
is still of great importance, in many cases it is no longer the
dominant sector and policies need to be developed that provide
incentives for a dynamic, competitive and balanced rural
economies." Other prominent speakers include: Zheng Xueli,
General Secretary of Chinese Agriculture TV, Professor Robert Thompson,
University of Illinois, USA and Professor Vinus Zachariasse, Netherlands
Éamon Ó Cuív, TD, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
will welcome over Affairs 250 delegates from 25 countries to the
Congress and Mary Coughlan Minister for Agriculture and Food will close
the Congress. In addition to farm managers from around the world,
delegates will also include employees of government ministries,
extension services, research institutes and universities, NGOs. This
will make for an informative congress and lively debate during the one
week event.
Sponsors associated with the event are Bord Bia, Department of
Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Diageo, Irish Dairy Board,
Dairymaster, FBD and Tegral. See http://www.ifma16.org
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