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Food Minister visits Malin farm
26.03.09
FOOD Minister Trevor
Sargent has assured Inishowen organic growers that
their industry is going from strength-to-strength.
Mr Sargent made his comments during his visit this
week to the peninsula.
His stops included a trip to Ireland's most
northerly organic farm - Greenhill Farm in Malin -
where he met owners Mary and John Reilly and other
members of the Inishowen Organic Group.
"We had a nice relaxed walk around and I presented
Trevor with a wooden replica of the historic Donagh
Cross in Carndonagh, made by my dad," said Mary. |
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She said members of the
Inishowen Organic Group outlined to the Minister the
origins of their group and explained how they meet
every month in Carndonagh to share views and advice
on different aspects of organic food production. The
group also operates a small lending library.
Author Tony Kearney gave the Minister of State a
copy of his book 'Who Owns the Future?' while the
group enjoyed a discussion about global affairs and
the state of food production and agriculture in
these uncertain times.
A number of local farmers and neighbours also turned
up to quiz the Minister about the recession and the
state of farming around the country. Ms Reilly said
he appeared positive about future funding for
agricultural projects and training. She said he also
urged people to prepare for a "different system of
food supply and production" and the possibility of
difficulties arising in the world food market.
Minister Sargent's itinerary also included a visit
to the Inishowen Gateway Hotel; the domestic wind
turbine at Flanagan’s, Ballymacarry; the public
garden allotments at Ard Kilbride, Carndonagh; Busy
Bee Recycling, Carndonagh; a meet and greet at The
Drift Inn, Buncrana and a chat with pupils at
Gaelscoil Bhun Chranncha. |
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