2007 Press Releases

The Future for the Rural Economy – UCC Conference
13.07.2007

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 week.

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 www.ifma16.org

488MMcS



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