13 Jun 2011

Avoca Garden Centre County Wicklow


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17 Jan 2011

Export Performance and Prospects for 2010/2011

The value of Irish food and drink exports increased by 11% in 2010 to reach an estimated €7.88bn

The future of the Irish economy has become increasingly dependent on the agri-Export Performance & Prospects 2010/2011 front coverfood sector as the leading indigenous industry. The sector has taken decisive action in response to the challenging market environment with a strong focus on costs combined with investments to broaden the customer and market base served. These developments leave the sector in a stronger position to withstand the pressures created by the ongoing global economic situation and ever volatile exchange rates.

The export performance was boosted by a more stable consumer environment, somewhat reduced exchange rate pressures, improved relative competitiveness of Irish manufacturers and higher global prices for most agricultural commodities. The strength of this performance is highlighted by the fact that during the first nine months of 2010, food and drink exports accounted for 30% of the growth recorded in total merchandise exports. All major categories recorded increased export revenues in 2010 with the strongest growth evident in Dairy, Beverages, Meat and Seafood.

Looking ahead to 2011 the prospects for food and drink exports remain broadly positive, helped by relatively strong global demand for commodity products and a tight supply situation in a number of key product categories.

Click here to view the related press release - "Bord Bia: Irish Food & Drink Key Export Driver as Sales Approach €8 billion"

Download the report in (PDF format):  Export Performance and Prospects for 2010-2011

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17 Jan 2011

GCAI 2011 Bus Tour

The GCAI are organising a bus tour of a selection of the best South Western UK garden centres for Spring 2011. Provisional dates are 1st & 2nd March. They plan to visit 6 award winning centres including Frosts, Van Hage, Poplars, RHS Wisley, Haskins & Stewarts Gardenland. Stay for 2 days & 1 overnight. The expected cost is €300 which includes tour guide Ian Boardman, bus, driver, overnight accommodation & dinner but exclude flights (out of & back to Dublin), lunch & drinks. To find out more or to express an interest please email anne@gio.ie

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11 Jan 2011

CABE News UK

GreenSpace news
Full green space advocacy document released 
GreenSpace has published an extended version of its Blue Sky Green Space advocacy document, comprehensively highlighting the benefits of parks, drawing from a substantial evidence base.

The well-received executive summary of the document was presented to ministers last year on behalf of GreenLINK to keep green spaces on the political agenda. The paper outlines the many benefits that a diverse range of quality green spaces bring, covering health; communities; economic and environmental value. Blue Sky Green Space is intended to be a collaborative, fluid format - reacting appropriately to the latest research - and will be updated accordingly. More

GreenLINK brings together, at a national level, organisations that are active in the parks and green space sector. Participating organisations include charities and trusts, social enterprises and other non-governmental bodies. The next meeting will take place on 21 January. Please email Sarah Cox at sarahc@green-space.org.uk for more information. 

GreenSpace stepping up social media activity
The new year has signalled the launch of GreenSpace’s new social media action plan. Increased activity on Twitter will allow us to spread information and respond to enquiries as quickly as possible. This feed will be particularly useful for sharing daily news and events that haven’t made it into The Bench. To stay up-to-date with sector news, or to ask us a question, see www.twitter.com/GreenSpaceUK . 

The GreenSpace Community Network will also be looking to engage with the public through Facebook, and is set to unveil its page in the coming weeks. Membership to the Community Network is free to all community groups, with benefits including knowledge sharing and discounts on many GreenSpace offerings. More 

Also in 2011...
GreenSpace will be exhibiting at green and ethical lifestyle show UK Aware on 25-26 March 2011. Our magazine Green Places is a media sponsor of the event. The show is taking place during Climate Week, a national campaign week against climate change, which we are also supporting.

Not a professional but still interested in parks?
The Community Bench is a newsletter dedicated to members of the community who would like to keep up to date with the latest developments affecting their green space. The Community Bench provides updates on news, funding avenues and events, as well as profiling members of community groups across the country to help spread learning and good practise. Sign up here

^^top

Sector news
CABE Space publishes guide to successful green space management
CABE Space has released a new document examining how the organisation and structuring of parks and green space services affects their performance.

'Managing green spaces: seven ingredients for success’ brings together evidence to assist green space managers, corporate decision-makers and advisors in deciding the future of services. It sets out seven ‘ingredients for success. and outlines the resources that green space managers can draw on to describe the critical services that green spaces provide to local communities. A summary of the research is published on the CABE website, and a full version is available here.

Following its loss of funding, CABE's online presence is now an archived version of the organisation's website as of 1 January 2011. Although the site will no longer be updated. the permanent archive, provided by the National Archive, will still be of great value to practitioners in the sector, particularly the technical advice section specifically for green space managers. More 

Parks across the UK receive Lottery cash boost
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) have announced the latest round of confirmed funding for parks through their joint Parks for People funding programme. Wandle Park in Croydon receives £1.9 million to restore its original Victorian features and The Green in Allerdale, Cumbria has been allocated £1.2 million will partly go towards training for up to 80 new staff. 

HLF has also separately awarded £2.5 million to Aberdeen’s Duthie Park and £820,000 to Cwmdonkin Park in Swansea, while a further 11 parks have received first-round passes. A full list of parks and their planned spending areas are detailed on the HLF website, accompanied by a quote from GreenSpace General and Business Development Manager David Tibbatts praising the continued Lottery funding. More 

Royal approval for the role of parks
The Queen’s Christmas message focused on the value of play and exercise to the nation, particularly recognising the health benefits of such activities as the 2012 Olympics draw nearer. In her address to the nation, the Queen paid tribute to the sport played by those “in the parks of towns and cities and on village greens up and down the country.” These visits, she added, “play a part in providing a different perspective on life.” More 

2011 - International year of forests
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. Events taking place throughout the year are designed to raise awareness and promote ‘forests for people’. More 

Parks services recognised in national awards night
The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Performance Networks Awards 2010 were held in December. The awards celebrate the best performers from local councils in frontline public services and those services that have made the most improvement on performance.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council was awarded 'top performer' in the parks, open spaces and horticultural services category. 'Most improved performer' in the category was Dumfries and Galloway Council. Both winners were presented their awards by Kirsty Rhind, forum manager of GreenSpace North West, who sponsored the awards category.

APSE’s Performance Networks service hosts the UK’s largest voluntary data benchmarking group for local councils, which helps them to improve value for money and quality in local public services. More 

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Diary dates
For a full list of upcoming events in the sector, visit the GreenSpace sector events page.

20 January 2011
SUDS foundation course
Organiser: CIRIA
Location: London
Contact: www.ciria.org 
A one-day training programme to enable practitioners to efficiently plan, design, construct and manage SUDs schemes.

2 February 2011
Natural Connections: the role of green space in connecting people to their local environment
Organiser: Countryside Recreation Network 
Location: Sheffield
Contact: www.countrysiderecreation.org.uk 
A one-day conference exploring the changes in the concepts of 'natural' and 'outdoors', and what this means for the services that green spaces provide and how it is managed - as a component or urban and rural infrastructure.

10 February 2011
Inspecting Play Areas - cutting the cost
Organiser: London Play 
Location: London
Contact: www.londonplay.org.uk 
A morning seminar showing how significant savings can be made and systems improved by reducing paperwork and having a smarter approach to inspections.

14 February 2011
Green Flag demonstration day
Organiser: GreenSpace East Midlands 
Location: Shipley Country Park, Derbyshire
Contact: www.green-space.org.uk/eastmidlands 
A one-day event to learn about the scheme, its award categories and their criteria, site and assessments, mystery shopper, the scheme timetable and benefits of winning an award. The day will achieve this through presentations, examples, outdoor activities and a site visit.

22 February 2011
Enhancing sites for natural play
Organiser: Environmental Training Network 
Location: Birmingham
Contact: shop.btcv.org.uk 
A one-day course to explore the process of enhancing sites for children’s natural play in parks, country parks, heritage sites, school grounds, play areas and other open spaces. 

23 February 2011
Improving access to paths
Organiser: Paths for All 
Location: West Lothian
Contact: www.pathsforall.org.uk 
A one-day course providing essential information for improving access to paths for everyone in the countryside. Learn to evaluate your own path provision in order to make reasonable adjustments, improving accessibility to a wider range of users.

    


Regards
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5 Jan 2011

Colour your Life News Letter


January 2011
Happy New Year! 

Here we are again, the old year is just a memory and (hopefully) everyone is filled with optimism for 2011. Our mission for the New Year is truly to ‘Colour your Lives’! 

Resources

This means equipping retailers with the tools they need to get even better results in their planterias than they did in 2010. Go online at www.colour-your-life.co.uk to see the new suite of materials plus the full listof promotional themes for the coming year. Materials are available directly from the website, via the on-line poster service or to create directly from the special CD ROM (drop us a line if you need one and we’ll send it out). The flexibility is there so that whatever medium works best for you – you can choose it. For established users, you’ll notice some exciting innovations and improvements, including the possibility to scale your logo to whatever size suits you.

Communication

The digital newsletter has proved to be a fantastic success with more retailers reading and benefiting from it every month. 

Feedback suggests that it is a targeted and efficient way for people to access campaign stories and news – Do you know someone who would benefit from this newsletter ?
 
If you do, contact us on contact@colour-your-life.co.uk and we’ll add them to the list. Also look out for your hard-copy newsletter too. It’s full of good stories and campaign info and will be with you any day now.


January promo – Heavenly heathers

Taking Erica as our plant focus, materials for January highlight the winter beauty of Erica carnea and other winter flowering heaths and heathers, including. ‘Golden Starlet’ (white flowers and yellow to lime green foliage), ‘Myretoun Ruby’ (magenta-crimson flowers), or 'Nathalie' yields (red flowers and dark foliage). 

January is not too early to entice customers out into the planteria, as long as you have some seasonal stunners like this with which to tempt them. And it’s not just the plants that you should promote – the stories can be a great way to grab customers’ attention too. 

Great stories!

All heaths and heathers are an important pollen source for our beleaguered bee population – grow them and do your bit. Erica carnea also harbours a bit of a saucy secret... Let’s just say that it’s got the ‘power’ to see the plants flying through the tills!

So what's the secret?


Play your cards right and get loyalty from your customers!

A well marketed Loyalty or Reward scheme is a great way of engaging with your customers and get them returning to you time and time again!  A recent report by the Maximiles Group found that 60% of consumers believe a reward programme “strengthens their relationship with the brand”.  

Another survey carried out by Loyalty specialist ICLP found that Tesco and Boots topped the poll of retailers shoppers have the strongest relationship with. Both of these retail giants have loyalty schemes which are probably the most popular in the UK.  Stuart Evans, ICLP UK general manager says: “It is clear that customers want something in return for their loyalty. When UK shoppers feel the pinch of the VAT increase next year, this call will surely get louder and go out to more and more top UK brands."


So what can you do to keep your customers?


We don't like to blow our own trumpet....

So we let others do it for us!

Over the last few months we have heard from retailers who find our campaign an asset to their business; this month we hear from Louise Canfield. 

Louise is in charge of POS at a major independent garden centre in Hertfordshire.

 
What does Louise have to say?


 
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4 Jan 2011

Garden and Landscape Design Seminar

Garden and Landscape Design Seminar
When:
29 January 2011 
Where:
National Botanic Gardens - Dublin
Category:
Horticulture & Fresh Produce Events Ireland

Description

Inspired: What drives successful design?

Design is borne of many things; Ego, empathy , passion, skill, history, belief, knowledge, vision, bravery, economy and emotion all play their part in stimulating designers to solve problems, satisfy desires and overcome challenges. What drives and constitutes successful design is a somewhat more complex issue. While consensus may be reached on intent, function and aesthetics, the shifting sands of time alter perception, attitude and environment making it an essentially ephemeral agreement; And one which design professionals have debated for eons.

To frame a contemporary vision of what drives successful design, the Garden and Landscape Design Association (GLDA) have enlisted the genius of some of Europe’s most respect design professionals for a day of insight, opinion and debate.
 
Now in its 15th successful year, the GLDA design seminar, which is aptly entitled, Inspired:What drives successful design? Will take place on Saturday 29th of January at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. The speaker line-up for the eagerly awaited 2011 seminar features multi award-winning design professionals of national and international acclaim, including Tom Stuart-Smith, Róisín Heneghan of Heneghan Peng Architects, Hugh Ryan MGLDA and James Doyle of James Doyle Associates.

As the design calendar event of the year places are already being snapped up. To secure your place at this exciting event you are encouraged to book early. 

For tickets and further information contact the GLDA office on: 01 2940092, info@glda.ie or via www.glda.ie.

This event is proudly supported by Bord Bia, Ireland’s Food Board.

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www.HortiTrends.com

HorticultureTrends
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4 Jan 2011

GLDA Ireland

Who are we?

The GLDA is an association of qualified and experienced garden designers and landscape architects who are also plant experts, which was formed in 1995 to set and maintain the highest professional standards in the field. The founders believed there was a need for a truly professional umbrella organisation, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, and that such an Association would bring immense benefits and security to the public, the designers and the future of garden-making and landscaping in Ireland.

Before becoming a Full Member, each applicant is rigorously assessed by an external panel of professionals, made up of acknowledged experts from the design, horticultural, and academic sides of the profession.

Objectives
  • To set standards for garden and landscape design.
  • To raise public awareness of garden and landscape designers and the services they have to offer.
  • To liaise with relevant organisations in order to provide comprehensive education and ongoing training for members.
  • To facilitate the exchange of information between members, suppliers and the public.

What The GLDA Does

The faith of those early members was not misplaced. Within a few short years the GLDA has grown to become a dynamic force for good, which is now at the forefront of the revolution in Irish gardening. Through its ongoing training opportunities in drawing and surveying, its practical workshops and field trips, its intelligence gathering network, and most publicly, its highly acclaimed annual international design seminar, the GLDA disseminates new information on methods, techniques and current best practice in landscape design and horticulture, and has created a new demand for improved quality and increased availability of a much wider and more interesting selection of plants.

GLDA Council:
David Shortall - Chairman
Jane McCorkell - Treasurer
Sheena Vernon - Compass Editor
Gary Foran - Hon Secretary
Brian O'Hara
Peter Fitzpatrick (new)
Colm Doyle (new)
Tim Austen (new)

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4 Jan 2011

UK Bee Scientists to Force Killer Mites to Self Destruct

Scientists may be able to halt global honey bee losses by forcing the deadly Varroa mite, lethal in the freezing weather, to self destruct.

The blood-sucking Varroa is the biggest killer of honey bees world-wide, having developed resistance to beekeepers’ medication. It is particularly destructive in winter as depleted colonies do not have enough bees huddling together to keep warm.

Now researchers from the Government’s National Bee Unit and Aberdeen University have worked out how to ‘silence’ natural functions in the mites’ genes to make them self destruct.

Bee and varroa mite

Dr. Alan Bowman from the University of Aberdeen said:

“Introducing harmless genetic material encourages the mites’ own immune response to prevent their genes from expressing natural functions. This could make them self destruct. 

“The beauty of this approach is that it is really specific and targets the mites without harming the bees or, indeed, any other animal.”

Dr Giles Budge from National Bee Unit, part of the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), said:

“This cutting edge treatment is environmentally-friendly and poses no threat to the bees. With appropriate support from industry and a rigorous approval process, chemical-free medicines could be available in five to ten years.”

Environment Minister Lord Henley said:

“Bees are essential to putting food on our table and worth £200m to Britain every year through pollinating our crops. This excellent work by UK scientists will keep our hives healthy and bees buzzing.”

The process uses the Nobel Prize-winning theory ‘RNA interference’, which controls the flow of genetic information. So far the ‘silencing’ has worked with a neutral Varroa gene, which has no significant effect on the mite. Scientists now need to target a gene with the specific characteristics that are perfect to force the Varroa to self destruct.

Tests by other scientists have shown the treatment can be added to hives in bee feed. The bees move it into food for their young, where the Varroa hides.

Varroa facts

  • The Varroa mite, like a brown crab, is the biggest global killer of honey bees.
  • It originally attacked the Asian honeybee but jumped to the European honeybee, which has a poor natural defence.
  • The mite injects viruses, suppresses the bees’ immune system and feeds on blood.
  • Beekeepers use chemical controls but can never eradicate it and over the past decade the Varroa developed resistance to some medication.
  • If untreated, or given inappropriate chemicals, it can take just 1,000 mites to kill a colony of 50,000 bees.
  • Honey bees are worth £200m to the UK economy a year through pollinating crops
  • The Varroa mite entered the UK in 1992.
  • Honey bee populations have dropped by 23 per cent since 1992, potentially costing the economy millions of pounds.
  • In 1992 there were 23,767 beekeepers and 151,924 colonies. In 2010 there have been 21,000 beekeepers, and 116,500 colonies.
  • In summer an average colony has 30,000 to 50,000 honey bees.
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4 Jan 2011

Happy 10th Birthday to Donegan Landscaping

Peter Looks Back on his First 10 years!


On January 3rd 2001 I borrowed the tools for my first job and began creating my first garden under the name of Peter Donegan Landscaping Ltd.

I had just returned from Scotland and had rented the front room of the house from were I slept and worked. I was still, by 2 or 3 months, 24 years of age. Not the prettiest start, maybe, but I had to start somewhere….

A friend designed a logo and made me one t-shirt and one fleece jacket. Some headed paper and business cards were made. At the time I borrowed a friends fax line number so ‘I looked more professional’. I also used my folks home address. I bought a second hand computer [that couldn't work the internet] and printer for IR£80 and I was, put in extremely simple terms, in business.

 

I don’t have many images from that or the early years. Digital cameras weren’t out then. I did find this promo flyer that was done in that year and this image from January 2004 is the earliest I know of not on a photo negative.

 

I was trying to think of some firsts/ milestones for this post… 10 years is a long time. These are the few that immediately come to mind….

  • My first garden was created for Mary Stephenson in Howth Co. Dublin. Mary recently helped me organiseThe garden Groups trip to Irelands Eye.
  • The first award I was nominated for was the best new business award in 2001 by The Fingal Chamber of Commerce.
  • The first article printed about Peter Donegan Landscaping Ltd was in March 2004 in the Irish Entrepreneur Magazine entitled ‘Getting Dirty’. It hangs in my bathroom to this day.
  • October 23rd 2004 my first article for The Farmers Journal was published were I continued to write regularly for about 4 years.

But then there’s also some nice reading that tells the story well on the home and about pages.

These words that I have used for many years probably summise what I want to say quite well. Here’s to another 10 years. Thank you.

Whilst I flicked through my diary and realised just how much I actually had done… it should be noted that none of this would make any sense without someone to share the stories, the laughter and equally the tears with. I am forever greatful to the so many great friends and people I have met along this years road. From my heart, thank you.

Did I enjoy it? Every second. Don’t get me wrong… no road is an easy an easy one especially when I work in an industry that is so weather dependant and I am self employed. That is not a complaint…. more an additional reason to appreciate the people who stand tall by my side when times are a little tougher. You were there too when we laugh our socks off.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh. Thank you again, everyone, for everything.

Peter

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4 Jan 2011

Collaborative Entrepreneurship and Innovation

A Weekend Workshop for Change Makers

ep-flyers.jpg

Saturday & Sunday 22nd - 23rd January 2011 | 09.30 - 17.00 | €175 / Early Bird €150 ends 14th Jan Book Online Here | The Greenhouse, 17 St Andrew St, Dublin 2 | Map | PDF Invite

In these challenging times how can we use collaborative forms of leadership, innovation, fundraising and community building to strengthen our entrepreneurial and change projects?

This workshop introduces:

  • The U-process, offering a set of principles and practices for collectively creating the future that wants to emerge; a breakthrough methodology for collaborative innovation and accessing deeper wisdom
  • How to best use social networking to create business possibilities and to stimulate inspired actions
  • Crowd Funding: Rethinking the way we finance our projects and initiatives, beyond bank loans, through collaborative efforts that make full use of the internet and new social media tools
  • Community Enterprise models that are more than just individuals pursuing their own interests
  • Green Entrepreneurship with a focus on upskilling the workforce for the growing opportunities within Ireland’s Green Economy 

This workshop is highly interactive and features short presentations from leading practitioners. Our learning will grow out of everyone’s contributions and presence. We will
support each other as co-learners. We will learn by observation, through stories from experienced practitioners, through reflecting on our own experience and practice, using interactive processes to build a safe and inspiring learning environment. We invite you to a collective inquiry.

Biographies of Facilitators

Simone Poutnik is a social entrepreneur, designer and facilitator of
collaborative innovation processes. She initiated and co-founded the Hub
Brussels - an inspiring space for people with ideas for a better world and
Natural Innovation, where she works with diverse groups of people from
government, business, non-profit and art organisations on experiential
learning and collaborative innovation for resilient futures.
www.natural-innovation.net

Hendrik Tiesinga designs and facilitates collaborative learning
and innovation processes in the field of sustainability in business and
social innovation. He is a co-founder of Natural Innovation and the Finance
Innovation Lab, a multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable
innovation in the financial sector in the UK. His other projects range from
collaborative space design to multi-stakeholder labs on metropolitan
agriculture.
www.natural-innovation.net

Chris Chapman is an experienced facilitator and host who specialises
in creating safe spaces to support deep and transformational work.
He is fascinated with how we blend individual, collective and global agendas
and how we can support the development of leaders fit for the times
we are in.
www.changeexploratory.com

Davie Philip is the Communications Manager at the Green Works
Tipperary Hub and runs the Community Resilience programme at Cultivate.
He lives in the Ecovillage in Cloughjordan and is currently the coordinator
for the Transition Network in Ireland and sits on the board of
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
www.green-works.ie | www.cultivate.ie

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4 Jan 2011

‘Your Business, Your Bank’ guide launched

A new 17-page guide designed to help small businesses develop better relationships with banks and access credit has been launched.

‘Your Business, Your Bank’  was prepared by the Credit Supply Clearing Group and offers advice for businesses, focusing on relationship-building, ensuring confidence and accessing credit.

Enterprise Minister Batt O’Keeffe welcomed the launch and said…

The guide outlines various funding options open to businesses, provides an insight into what banks are looking for when examining credit applications, imparts information on credit pricing, and reveals practical tips on how to package credit applications

The guide takes into account the significant changes in the economic climate and credit requirements.

Minister O’Keeffe continued…

Before 2008, most credit applications were for loans for new capital investments but the severe economic downturn has brought about a dramatic shift in that trend.

This guide is timely in setting out the funding options for small businesses, outlining how they can access the kind of credit they need, and drawing together multiple stakeholders across Government and the enterprise community towards the common cause of recovery in the domestic economy,

The Credit Supply Clearing Group was setup by the Government in May last year.

The guide will compliment a new standard credit application form created by the Credit Review Office, designed to provide banks with all the information required to assess an credit application.

The following link is to a PDF file   The full guide can be viewed here 200kb pdf

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21 Dec 2010

New Director of the National Botanic Gardens Dublin



Dr. Matthew Jebb MA, DPhil (Oxon) has been appointed, by the Office of Public Works, as the new Director of the National Botanic Gardens, and took up the post from the 1st September. A graduate of Oxford University and former researcher at Trinity College, Dr Jebb has lived for over 5 years in Papua New Guinea, and has been Keeper of the Herbarium and Taxonomist (Ainmneoir Plandai) at the National Botanic Gardens since 1998. He has represented Europe as a vice-president on the bureau of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and is currently Chairman of PlantNetwork, the Plant Collections Network of Britain and IrelandSee here for more information on Matthew Jebb. . .

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21 Dec 2010

Trinity Centre for Biodiversity Research

The Centre’s focus is on conserving Biodiversity in a changing world where sustainability of natural resources is a challenging but important goal. It is crucial in ensuring that our global society can develop to its full potential within awell-protected environment, balancing economic, social and environmental demands – the three 'pillars' of sustainability. Sustainable utilisation of the natural world and its biodiversity requires wide, cross-disciplinary analysis including natural and social sciences, engineering solutions, economic assessment and strategic planning; combining them to provide effective transformations towards a more sustainable society.

Farming in Thailand

Farming in Thailand

Biodiversity is defined as the variability among living organisms from all sources including the ecological complexes of which they are part. It is the foundation of ecosystem services upon which human well-being depends. However, biodiversity is being lost at an unprecedented rate, which is eroding our capacity to sustain the planet. Given the recent recognition of climate change as a key driver for biodiversity loss, in association with historical challenges of habitat and land use change, the conservation of biodiversity is at the core of sustainable development. It is only through the utilisation of the living environment in a renewable fashion that we can achieve a sustainable future.

The Centre for Biodiversity Research represents a core of skilled academic researchers in the field and aims to promote innovative and interdisciplinary research encompassing all aspects affecting the natural world. The Centre is the first of its kind in Ireland and is a flagship initiative for the School of Natural Sciences and for Trinity College and has strong links with other centres working on related topics

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21 Dec 2010

Agri Aware's Incredible Edibles Wins the Bull!

The 2010 Agricultural Journalism Awards 

The 2010 Agricultural Journalism Awards were presented by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, Mr.Brendan Smith TD, at an awards ceremony in AIB Ballsbridge, Dublin.
Organised by the Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Ireland, in association with AIB, the awards are presented every two years for work of outstanding merit in six different categories with an Overall Winner being chosen from the six category winners. All the entries are judged by an independent panel of judges.
This year the Overall Winner was Agri Aware for its “Incredible Edibles” campaign that targeted primary school children around the country with the objective of increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables, promoting a balanced diet, and highlighting the role of the farmer in producing quality safe food. 
In 2010, 79% or 2,635 primary schools participated in the programme, and each school received a free growing pack which has everything they need to grow potatoes, strawberries, lettuce, carrots and spinach.


CATEGORY SHORTLISTS AND WINNERS
NATIONAL PRINT
GMO Series, Stephen Cadogan, Farm Examiner 
Money Mentor, Peter Young, Country Living, Irish Farmers Journal 
Family Ties – The Meehans, Maria Moynihan, Country Living, Irish Farmers Journal 
Glanbia Demerger Analysis, Pat O’Keeffe and Liam O’Neill, Irish Farmers Journal


WINNER - GLANBIA DEMERGER ANALYSIS by Pat O’Keeffe and Liam O’Neill


NATIONAL BROADCAST
Tractor Theft, Darragh McCullough, Ear to the Ground (RTE 1) 
Opera Farmer, Helen Carroll, Ear to the Ground (RTE 1) 
Higher Ground, Peter Young & Paul McCarthy, Good Company Productions for RTE 
Flooding, Damien O’Reilly, Countrywide (RTE Radio One)


WINNER - HIGHER GROUND by Peter Young & Paul McCarthy


LOCAL MEDIA

What’s Best for Glanbia Farmer-Suppliers? Sean Keane, Kilkenny People 
Flanders Fields War Harvest, Rodney Magowan, Farm Week 
WHY? Double Misery as John’s Herd is Wiped Out Again! Chris McCullough, Farm Week

 

WINNER - WHY? by Chris McCullough


TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS

Agricultural Land Price Survey, Shirley Busteed, Irish Farmers Journal 
Herd Health – Getting to Grips Will Save Money, Riona Sayers, Today’s Farm - Teagasc 
CASH COWS – Milking More Money from Grass, Jack Kennedy, Irish Farmers Journal (DVD)

 

WINNER - LAND PRICE SURVEY by Shirley Busteed


TARGETED COMMUNICATIONS
Standing Their Ground – Farm Women Pension Rights Campaign, Irish Farmers Association 
Incredible Edibles – Schools Growing Vegetables Campaign, Agri Aware


WINNER - INCREDIBLE EDIBLES by Agri Aware


PHOTOGRAPHIC
Here’s Looking At You Kid! (Glanbia SGM), Fergal O’Gorman, Freelance 
The Long Acre, Belmullet, Pat O’Keeffe, Irish Farmers Journal 
Combine Harvesters, Duleek, Chris McCullough, Farm Week
WINNER - COMBINE HARVESTERS by Chris McCullough, Farm Week


OVERALL AWARD 2010 – “THE BULL” TROPHY - INCREDIBLE EDIBLES, Agri Aware


JUDGING PANEL
The members of the judging panel were Conor Brady, Chairman, (former Editor, Irish Times), Frances Ruane (ESRI), Jimmy Brett (Brett Bros.), John Gilliland (former President, UFU), Prof. Paddy Wall (UCD), and Colm Cronin (PR Consultant).


SPECIAL AWARD

A special award for “Communications with the Rural Community” was presented by AIB to veteran journalist, Ray Ryan, who recently retired from the Irish Examiner, for his unique contribution to communications with the farming and rural sectors in Ireland over the last 48 years. Ray spent 10 years with The Kerryman and 38 years with the Cork/Irish Examiner, the last 13 years as Agricultural Correspondent. 

     

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21 Dec 2010

Horticulture Hot Seat? Martin Ferris TD Sinn Fein Policy.

Agriculture & Rural Regeneration

There is a pressing need to formulate a strategy on farming and the wider issue of rural development. Such a strategy needs to be built up and developed by the communities directly affected by rural under-development. We believe that its core objective should be to break the cumulative cycle that starts with population decline, leading to a reduced demand for services, which leads to fewer employment opportunities and ultimately migration out of rural areas.

Throughout Ireland there are communities fighting their way out of this cycle with little or no aid from central government. These communities have often formed their own new co-operatives, local currency networks, social enterprise and development projects. They have started organic farming projects, agri-tourism initiatives and other diversified agricultural businesses.

These communities need proper funding and resources from central government. They need local government structures that can adapt to their needs.

Sinn Féin believes that the core objectives of any rural development programme should be:

  • Creating a co-ordinated programme that links agriculture, enterprise, environment, culture, health and education and social services strategies into a comprehensive integrated rural development project;
  • Keeping the maximum number of people on the land and preserving the social fabric of rural life;
  • Creating the conditions where rural communities themselves can rebuild their local economies;
  • Ensuring that everyone has a dignified standard of living, access to proper education, housing and health resources.

Sinn Féin also proposes:

Real reform of the CAP

Its original objectives were to maintain the maximum amount of farmers on the land while ensuring a proper standard of living for farmers and fair prices to consumers. This has not been delivered. The CAP funding mechanisms must be changed to help small farmers.

A funding initiative to promote organic farming in Ireland

Organic farming becomes commercially viable on a much smaller acreage than current farming. Such a programme will promote rural repopulation and could be vital element in breaking the current cycle of rural under-development.

Support for other projects

Other projects such as encouraging co-operative agricultural projects and broadleaf forestry projects should be vigorously promoted and supported.

Matching funds for rural enterprise projects

The bulk of funding for economic development currently goes to foreign export-orientated companies. Sinn Féin believes there should be equity in the allocation of funding for enterprise projects. Funding for indigenous enterprise projects have been cut in recent years.

Ending discrimination against local enterprise projects

There is also another level of discrimination in domestic funding mechanisms. Enterprise Ireland, the agency responsible for developing indigenous business, currently favours aiding businesses with export potential, overlooking the community and social enterprise sector. Sinn Féin believes that this form of economic discrimination should end.

An increase in Leader funds

The success of rural development projects under the EU Leader Programme is well recognised. However, such community-orientated funds only account for 7 per cent of the funding coming into the island over the next seven years. Sinn Féin believes that Leader funds are a vital part of any rural regeneration programme and should be the substantial part of EU funding flowing to rural areas.

A national conference

The crisis in rural Ireland is one that must be acted on now. Central government in Ireland should be prevailed upon to hold a national conference that could formulate a strategy to promote rural development in Ireland. Such a conference would have to be organised on a bottom-up participatory basis and not be solely representative of the vested interests that dominate agri-business and rural policies today.

The North-South Ministerial Conference (NSMC) has a role to play in organising this initiative. There is a pressing need for the formulation of policies on branding an all-Ireland national beef and dairy herd as well as making Ireland a centre for organic food within the EU.

These steps should be the beginning of a wider process of developing an all-Ireland strategy on agriculture.

EU funds

The EU must recognise the island as one economic unit when it comes to the allocation of EU funds and the application of policy. A crucial aspect of this would have to be a recognition of the need to recognise, through funding and policy formulation, the special needs of the Border regions to have their agricultural economies fully integrated.

EU programmes such as Leader should be administered immediately on an all-Ireland basis.

Organic food and the GM issue

There is a clear need for an integrated approach to organic farming throughout the island.

The island as a whole should be declared a GM-free zone. Not only would this be a major boost for the quality of food products being sold to Irish consumers but it would also help hugely the marketing of Irish food produce internationally. Again the NSMC has a clear role to play here.

Farmers markets and the co-operative principle

Planning law should include the need for farmers’ markets in new retail developments. Specific funding should be allocated to set up and fund such markets which must be run on the co-operative principle by the local communities in which those markets are sited.

Bringing quality back into Irish farming

There is a need to bring quality back into the Irish farm sector right from the decisions being made by the individual farmers, the food processors and abattoirs right down to the supermarkets and exporters.

We need an island wide code of principles for farm practices and commercial food processing. BSE and other diseases have been created not by chance but by the commercialisation of farming.

Sinn Féin Oireachtas Report on Future of Farming and Fishing in the West PDF documents

I am delighted to be able to present this report to the Committee. It is the fruit of much work in consultation with a wide range of people involved in the farming and fishing sector. As such it represents an accurate picture of both the current state of the rural…Read more

“Awakening the West - Overcoming Social and Economic Inequality” PDF documents

Download a PDF of Sinn Féin's “Awakening the West - Overcoming Social and Economic Inequality”. Read more

HorticultureTrends
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21 Dec 2010

Who's Next In the Horticulture Hot Seat? Martin Ferris TD

Martin Ferris TD

Martin Ferris TD profile pictureMartin Ferris TD Phone: (01) 6184248
Email: martin.ferris@oireachtas.ie

Martin Ferris is Sinn Féín TD for Kerry North and party spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development, Environment and Local Government and Communications Energy & Natural Resources. He has been outspoken in highlighting the need for a co-ordinated strategy to re-build rural communities which have become depopulated over the last decade due to a lack of government strategy and the ongoing withdrawl of essential services.

He was elected to Kerry County Council and Tralee UDC in 1999 and to Leinster House for the constituency of Kerry North in 2002 and again in 2007. As the party's EU candidate for Munster in 1999 he received almost 30,000 votes. He is playing a key role in the development of the party across the country.

Martin was part of the Sinn Féin negotiating team and participates in party delegations which meet with the Irish and British governments. He has travelled extensively in support of the peace process.

Martin Ferris is married with six children. He has been an active republican since 1970 and was jailed for his political beliefs in the 1980s.

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21 Dec 2010

Horticulture Hot Seat - Sean Sherlock TD

Below are a number of links to questions asked by Sean Sherlock along with other policy material.

Agri-Food sector
As Spokesperson, we have drafted a Discussion Paper on the future of the Agri-Food sector
BUDGET 2011 - A BREAKDOWN FOR THE FARMING COMMUNITY

No Change in Payment Level for Main Agriculture Schemes

The key schemes in relation to agriculture have seen no reduction in their rates. This means that for 2011, farmers participating in the Disadvantaged Area Scheme, REPS 4, AEOS and the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme will receive the same rate of payments as 2010. While this may be taken as a positive, it should be noted that payment rates under these schemes have seen substantial cuts already and farmers are getting lower rates than they did in 2008.

NUMBER OF SFP STILL AWAITING APPROVAL 2010
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of single farm payment applications for 2010 still awaiting approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter
HARVEST 2020 IMPLEMENTATION
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the recommendations from the food harvest 2010 report that will be prioritised for implementation in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter
AQUACULTURE LICENSES
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of outstanding applications for aquaculture licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter
STRATEGIES FOR EXPANSION OF AGRICULTURE
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the strategies he has in place to encourage the expansion of agriculture between now and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter
FARM ASSIST FIGURES

To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide a breakdown per county of the number of farming families in receipt of farm assist for the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

IMPORTED BEEF & LAMB FIGURES
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the quantity of beef and lamb imported in 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter
COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the response and submissions he will make to the European Commission following the recently published discussion document on Common Agricultural Policy reform from the Commission entitled ‘The CAP towards 2020: Meeting the food, natural resources and territorial challenges of the future; his response to the report and when he expects to communicate his proposals to the EU Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter
BEEF CARCASSES CLASSIFICATION

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he has taken to improve farmer confidence in the beef carcase classification system; his views on whether these machines are being operated correctly at all times; the deficiencies that have been found by his inspectors in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter

COST OF VETERINARY MEDICINES
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he is taking to reduce the cost of veterinary medicines which are considerably more expensive than in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter
NITRATES WORKING GROUP

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to establish a nitrates working group with Teagasc to identify solutions for the pigs and poultry sectors once the present arrangement changes in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter

DAIRY HYGIENE SCHEME
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the dairy hygiene scheme will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter
GRANT AID UNDER REPS TO ORGANIC FARMERS
To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications pending for grant aid under the REP scheme to organic farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter

     

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21 Dec 2010

Who's Next In the Horticulture Hot Seat? Sean Sherlock

Following on the 'Horticulture Hot Seat Series' we look at the background of opposition spokespersons on Agri/Hort. It is now that our sector should be contacting and questioning any of these potential candidates in order to influence policy. Highlight the sector problems now. Call him! Also check out the last profile on Andrew Doyle Fine Gael. Next in line is Martin Ferris of Sinn Fein. These are extraordinary times so you never know!

Sean Sherlock TD Labour - Biography.

Constituency:

Cork East

Euro Electoral Region:
Ireland South

Electoral Status:
Sean is currently a sitting TD for Cork East .

Address:
Davis Lane
Mallow
Co. Cork

Tel:
Phone: 022 53523
Fax: 022 57761
087-7402057

Email:
sean.sherlock@oir.ie

Website:
http://seansherlock.ie

Political Career:

  • Elected to the Dail, May 2007
  • First Co-opted to Mallow Town Council and Cork County Council in September 2003.
  • Elected to MTC and CCC June 2004.
  • 2004 Mayor of Mallow Town Council.

Occupation:

  • Full Time Public Representative

Memberships:

  • Blackwater Kayaking Club
  • Mallow Rugby Club
  • County Cork VEC
  • Mountaineering Club of Ireland

Other Interests:

  • Former Assistant to Proinsias De Rossa MEP

Birth Details:

  • 6/12/1972

Education:

  • Patrician Academy Mallow
  • College of Commerce, Cork
  • UCG, BA Economic and Politics
     


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14 Dec 2010

Horticulture Hot Seat CV: Andrew Doyle

Andrew Doyle TD
Agriculture Fisheries & Food

Personal Details

Home Address:
2a, The Lower Mall, Wicklow Town, Wicklow

Leinster House:
Tel: 01 6183611Fax: 01 6184560

Constituency Office Address:
2a, The Lower Mall, Wicklow Town, Wicklow
Tel: 0404-66622, Fax: 0404-66670

Internet:
http://www.andrewdoyle.ie/

E-mail:
andrew.doyle@finegael.ie

Andrew Doyle TD is a Fine Gael General Election candidate for Wicklow.

Andrew was elected to the 30th Dail in May, 2007. He was appointed Spokesperson on Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, July, 2010. 

He was previously Deputy Spokesperson on Agriculture with special responsibility for Food and Horticulture.

After representing East Wicklow on Wicklow County Council since 1999, serving Chairman of the Council in 2005/2006, he was elected to represent Wicklow and East Carlow running on a Team Wicklow campaign with Billy Timmins T.D.

Since he has been elected, Andrew Doyle has been working for Wicklow /East Carlow people on many issues and on problems that effect people all over Ireland. Some of these are:

  • Commuter transport services for Wicklow –N11, trains and buses
  • Special needs children and their education
  • Community based policing and services especially community care 
  • Energy efficiency and microgeneration of electricity
  • Delivery of Best Practice in St.Columcille’s Hospital and a 24 hour A and E service
  • Sheep farming sector development support
  • Development of local food production and processing with traceability for all sectors
  • Campaign for Irish produced food to be labelled clearly
  • Fair trade in grocery retail for the suppliers, buyers and consumers
  • Supports Public Infrastructure Bond for broadband, public infrastructure, education, research and development, public transport
  • New Budgetary procedures for Departments including bidding, and finance following the patient as in new Fair Care Health proposals from Fine Gael
Visit links to recent Fine Gael Policy Documents on
  • Health -Fair Care
  • Third Level Education
  • Local Government Reform
  • New Era –Economic Stimulus Package
  • Public Service Reform
And more.

Andrew Doyle said “These policies clearly demonstrate that Fine Gael is awake to the problems this country faces. We represent the people who have the vision the willingness and the community spirit to drive Ireland back to stability and sustainable prosperity. When this is achieved, we will ensure that greed and self interest are never allowed to destroy the labours of generation”.

    


14 Dec 2010

Who's Next in the Horticulture Hot Seat? Andrew Doyle TD?

In the lead up to the next general election we will be looking at the background to potential candidates for the Agriculture/Horticulture Hot seat.

Here are some recent press statements and responses from Andrew Doyle TD Fine Gael Spokeperson  for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food.


Supermarket €500k demand from Irish food suppliers shows Govt should accept FG Fair Trade Laws – Doyle


Supermarket €500k demand from Irish food suppliers shows Govt should accept FG Fair Trade Laws – Doyle

Further confirmation today that retailers are demanding sums of hello money of up to €500,000 from Irish suppliers is a clear signal that Fine Gael’s Fair Trade Bill should be accepted by Government and implemented without further delay, according to the party’s Spokesperson on Food & Horticulture, Andrew Doyle TD.

“The contention of three suppliers that they are paying six figure sums to have their products stocked on supermarket shelves backs up many anonymous reports that Fine Gael has received from anxious suppliers in recent months about unfair trading practices in the retail sector.

Fine Gael’s Fair Trade Bill, published last August, not only outlaws illegal practices such as hello money but also provides for the disclosure of supermarket profits and a transparent statement of supply clearly showing agreements between suppliers and retailers.

“The Government has dragged its feet on this issue and has failed to date to introduce the code of conduct or establish the ombudsman promised to regulate the sector.

“There are 200,000 jobs dependent on tackling this issue and making sure producers have access to a fair trading environment. Ministers for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Enterprise Trade and Employment need to take it seriously and put party politics aside to accept the Fine Gael proposals.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Irish grown food supplies in jeopardy from supermarket price war, FG survey shows – Doyle


Irish grown food supplies in jeopardy from supermarket price war, FG survey shows – Doyle

Fine Gael Food & Horticulture Spokesperson, Andrew Doyle TD, today (Thursday) released the results of a survey (available by clicking here) responded to by 30 Irish food growers showing suppliers are being squeezed to breaking point by supermarkets while consumers are still being ripped off by massive margins on their shopping.

“My survey shows the balance of power has swung decisively towards supermarkets which control 88% of the fresh food market. Growers are squeezed to breaking point. Many are no longer getting the price they need to cover their costs and are suffering from the low prices on offer from supermarkets as well as demands for extra payments to benefit supermarkets’ margins. Consumers rightfully want good value and look for the cheapest price but if the result is putting local growers out of business the end result with be an importers monopoly with consumers paying an unfair burden of the cost.

“My survey revealed that the kind of payments and practices affecting fresh food suppliers include:

• Box rebates, or 2.5% to 5% rebates to buyer after every monthly payment to grower.
• Payments to cover special offers, from 10% to 30%.
• Personal payments and payments in kind to buyers, ‘Christmas money’ to buyers.
• Lump sum payment for two year contract.
• Long credit terms for buyer from four to 11 months.
• Cost of last minute cancellation of contract borne by grower.

“Abusive trading practices have been stopped by the Fair Trade movement in Africa and India – why can’t we do it in Ireland? We have to face the prospect that Irish growers and producers could be wiped out. The Government is failing to regulate the sector. First and foremost, they should adopt the Fine Gael Fair Trade Bill which has now been published for seven months. Two hundred thousand jobs depend on their willingness to put party politics aside and act to create a fair trading environment.”
End
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 

“Time to reveal the facts on levels of retail profiteering” says FG Food Spokesperson


“Time to reveal the facts on levels of retail profiteering” says FG Food Spokesperson

Andrew Doyle TD, Fine Gael Spokesman on Food has called on the Government to back a Fine Gael Private Members’ Bill which provides a mechanism to unlock the secret profits earned by the large retail grocery giants in Ireland. Deputy Doyle was speaking after the Farming Conference yesterday in the context of renewed criticism for the low or even negative margins for grocery suppliers and the rip-off prices for consumers.

“There is no doubt that the large supermarkets have demanded huge reductions in prices from suppliers of food products especially fresh food. These reductions have not been fully passed on to the consumer. The example of the 34% drop in farm gate prices for milk last year while the price of a litre of milk in the supermarket only dropped 3% in the same period shows the bulk of the profit being taken by the supermarket at the expense of the supplier and producer and also the consumer.

“As over 77% of the grocery retail sector in Ireland is controlled by three multinational supermarkets, there is an obvious risk of unfair trade practices. There have been many stories of abusive trading practices – told in confidence. However unless supermarket profit levels are publicised, we are not in any position to decide whether people here are being ripped off or not.

“It is a matter of particular interest that many of the retail chains go to inordinate lengths to conceal details of their profit and turnover.

“We recently saw a report of one of the major retailers taking a High Court action against the Central Statistics Office over an attempt to find out greater detail of the retailer’s turnover and operations. It is in the public interest that there should be full and complete details about the turnover of these companies being made public. The UK is considering obligatory disclosure and the EU Commissioner for Agriculture has promised action.

Fine Gael has addressed this matter head on through our Food (Fair Trade and Information) Private Members Bill published in August. Under the Fine Gael proposal, the Competition Authority would be obliged to carry out an annual review of competition in the retail grocery sector and use its statutory powers to seek details of turnover and profitability from any retailer with more than five stores operating in the Irish market.

“In the run up to the busy Christmas season it is important that the Government does not drift on this issue. I call on the Government now to accept the Food (Fair Trade and Information) Bill now and to implement it without further delay to ensure greater price transparency for consumers and suppliers in Ireland.”

    


Regards
Joseph Blair
www.HortiTrends.com
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14 Dec 2010

A Greener Future Event

Transforming Ireland Seminar #27

Date: Thursday, 16 December 2010

Time: 12:30-14:00

Venue: Wood Quay Venue, Dublic City Council Civic Offices, Dublin 2

Topics:

Innovation Fund Ireland - Damien Callaghan, Intel Capital

A Greener Future - Ian Simington, NTR plc

The Seminar will be Chaired by Peter Clinch, Special Advisor to An Taoiseach

 Abstract:

A Greener Future

Ian Simington, Chief Executive of NTR plc’s Solar Division, will present an overview of what NTR plc is doing to ensure a Greener Future. As part of the presentation, Ian will talk about the financing of greentech projects and provide an overview of the work of the NTR Foundation, the philanthropic organisation established by NTR plc to address the challenges posed by climate change, resource sustainability and security of energy supply through the provision of targeted financial and expert support to projects, research and non-governmental organisations.

 

To register for this seminar, please click here

 

This is the last seminar in the current series


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Joseph Blair
www.HortiTrends.com
HorticultureTrends
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14 Dec 2010

John Stanley asks "Is It Time to Get Back to Nature?"

John Stanley

As a consumer a walk down many High Streets of the world has become a bit of a drudge. Your walk can take you past retailers who are doing the same thing in the same way as they have done for a number of years. The result of this is that many consumers are now talking about buying online, it is more convenient and less hassle and then gives them time to enjoy different experiences.

Consumers are asking for an “added value experience “ rather than be offered more “stuff’ At the same time they are losing touch with nature since urban dwellers now make up 50% of the global population and that growth increase by 80 million a year.

An urban consumer ,who is out of touch with the nature and is looking for value experiences provides retailers with new marketing opportunities.

Retailers in Belgium are known for being a bit for edgy in their merchandising and display techniques They are bolder than retailers in other countries and it is a delight to walk down the Kammenstraat in Antwerpen. This is a street that is a bit more quirky in an already quirky retail environment.

Firstly one passes  “Fish and Chips” a clothes fashion store aimed at Generation Y, this is the only store I know that decorates its front window with graffiti and then sells tins of spray paint next to the counter as an impulse purchase when buying clothing. Over the road from this store is “All Saints” the UK clothing store that has some of the best theatre merchandising I am aware of in the clothing industry.

Further down the street you come to the newly opened Eilean Nature Shop .This store originated as concept developed by naturalist s and artists Robert and Angela Parkin form the UK.  They found it difficult to develop the idea of a flagship store in the UK and hence went into partnership with Johan Van Wambeke and his family in Belgium to open their first store in Belgium.

This is no ordinary store, it is a store focused on bringing nature to the urban consumer.

The retailer has joined forces with Natuurpunt, the Belgium conservation group who have over 100,000 members in the Flanders area of the country.

The 450 square metres store has a number of clear objectives

1 To introduce urban consumers to the nature issues that affect them and the local community, for example the organisation is trying to reintroduce the otter back into the Belgium countryside .

2 To provide the consumer with added value products that are Fair trade and from a know “natural “ source. This allows the store to become a story teller and not just another product retailer.

3 To provide an educational platform for the consumer to become more aware of their natural environment.

The store design provides a natural setting in the city. The store layout is set in a forest with a dry watercourse and islands display area. The categories on display include toys for children, grow it yourself, outdoor clothing, artwork from famous local artists on nature themes and natural cosmetics.

To take a virtual tour of the store log onto my member site www.johnstanley.com.au .  I have featured it in our December Retail World TV report on retail trends.

The consumer is looking for a new experience and the aim of the Nature Store is to provide a space where they can linger longer. Does it work? When customers walk in and you cans see them take a breath and slow down form the trudge of walking down the High Street.

Expect to see nature shops become more common on the High Street of the future.

    

Regards
Joseph Blair
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7 Dec 2010

Breaking News - 75million Cuts at Agriculture, Fisheries & Food - Budget 2010

To Come from the Following Areas.
Reduced expenditure on REPS.
Reductions in the Disease Eradication area due to reduced instances of disease in 2010.
Reduced expenditure on ERS due to scheme closure.
Reduction in Intervention costs.
Administrative efficiencies.

(a) 2011 Current savings of €75 million in the Agriculture area are offset by additional timing-related scheme payments of €30 million.

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Joseph Blair
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7 Dec 2010

EnterpriseSTART Programme

If you are currently considering entrepreneurship as a career option, an EnterpriseSTART workshop will help you to understand and evaluate the entrepreneurship process and what it involves. 

Each workshop is targeted at individuals with a business idea that has the potential to be scaled up significantly within three years and be export driven. 

Participants will have the opportunity for one-to-one consultation with Enterprise Ireland staff regarding individual needs. The workshops are practical, interactive and thought provoking. Participants will be provided with comprehensive information to understand the business development process including the key success factors and potential pitfalls as well as an outline of financial supports available from Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards

The next EnterpriseSTART workshops in your region are listed below:

 EnterpriseSTART workshops 2010

 

Region

Date & Venue

Contact

Application Form | Flyer

Dublin & Mid-East1-2 February, 2011
Enterprise Ireland, Dublin
Envelop iconEva Murdoch

 

 

3 Dec 2010

How Do I Source Horticulture News in Ireland?

The answer is....with great difficulty. This is an email that I sent to Stiofan Nutty and Minister Cuffe. It is not a criticism of them personally but is more of an appeal to help me. Read on.......

Thanks also for the update for the 
Horticulture Action Group. I will let people know the postponement by posting it on www.HortiTrends.com It is going to be important for the group to communicate on a regular basis what they are trying to achieve so that all stakeholders in horticulture can get behind them. Is the action group a closed shop or can others get involved? I would be interested and willing to give time. Have the likes of Pat Fitzgerald been asked to participate as if its exports that will help save this country then he is a very valuable asset to have. What about the new and young guy's from Freestyle Nurseries. Peter Donegan who has a lot to say and has new ideas about our sector. Some new blood and thinking from all interested sectors will be of great benefit to this new action group.

On a separate note.

I am constantly begging for news and information. I think I know and you think you know that the staff in the Horticulture department of Bord Bia are busy but there is a negative perception out there towards many civil servants at the moment that they are doing nothing. I am providing an opportunity to communicate with the people that they serve. At the moment there are not so many news outlets interested so why not use us? It costs nothing. As it was recently pointed out in a blog by Peter Donegan that the last horticulture newsletter sent out was in early 2009 http://blog.doneganlandscaping.com/2010/11/17/bord-bia-promote/. Why just one? It might also take pressure of everyone as now their achievements are being recognised and reported. If its any consolation Bord Bia may be bad but Teagasc are worse in communicating outputs and deliverables. I have even considered the freedom of information act to see how I can get news of these guys. On the other hand I have Dutch and UK organisations showering me with news and information they want us to publish. Do the Dutch know something we don't? 

Maybe a Wikileaks for Horticulture might be a good thing! Anyway thats my rant, my frustration as a new business start-up. I won't have to march this week as I have got that of my chest but I am going to stick at this until the very end because the system and the people have to change at every level including me and how I communicate with users of the website. No more holding back on information or being afraid to be skeptical or critical of the status quo. I have been at a conference recently where members of the audience are rolling the eyes in their head as the usual speel is given out by those charged with the development of our sector. You might share this email with others as if it inspires them to justify themselves then that is a good thing just as long as they also provide me with some useful news or information about what they have done for horticulture in Ireland this week or this month and then I will publish it. The civil servants need to realise that one way to serve the people who still manage to make a living out of horticulture is by communicating with them. 

Up Horticulture and Up Ireland!

    



Regards
Joseph Blair
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3 Dec 2010

HortiTrends Breaking News! Inaugural Meeting of Horticulture Action Group Postponed Due to Bad Weather.

Rescheduled for December 15th. Full Report Coming Soon! Sign up to News Alerts & Directory Below.

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1 Dec 2010

Seventh Annual Sustainable Energy Awards

All sectors of economy recognised at Seventh Annual Sustainable Energy Awards 

Companies across all sectors of the economy were recognised for their efforts in energy management at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) seventh annualSustainable Energy Awards in Dublin  (25th November 2010). Award winners included Irish-owned retailer Musgraves, multinationals Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Cork and IFSC-based international bank Citi, family run business Matthews Coach Hire, research institute Tyndalland energy services company, Crowley Carbon Ltd

Sponsored by ESB, the Sustainable Energy Awards highlight excellence in business energy management and this year included entries from over 100 organisations. Top prize on the night, ‘Energy Manager of the Year’, went to Brian Scannell of the Musgrave Group, which launched a five-year sustainability strategy across its business in 2007 that has since delivered over 3GWh in energy savings, equivalent to 5% year on year savings. 

Winners included: 
Crowley Carbon Ltd, which received the new ‘Sustainable Energy Innovation Award’ for the adoption of an iPhone app Danú, a smart analytical tool that helps businesses to carry out a comprehensive energy audit. The tool was demonstrated in Corrib Oil and led to energy savings of 30% equivalent to €120,000. 

Tyndall National Institute, winner of the ‘Renewable Energy Systems Award’ for its new research building which is heated entirely by heat generated from its data servers, saving 12% on energy costs. 

Citi, winner of the ‘Energy Awareness Award’ for a sustained energy awareness programme which resulted in reducing utility costs by almost €350,000 over the last year alone. 
Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, which was awarded the ‘Energy Management Award, Small to Medium User’ for achieving energy savings of almost 30% in the last three years, equivalent to €250,000, by following no-and low- cost energy saving initiatives involving all staff. 
Matthews Coach Hire, which won the ‘Energy Efficiency Award, Small to Medium User’, for implementing a fuel efficiency project that has generated a 6% saving in fuel usage throughout its fleet of private coaches, commuter and tour party buses. 

In total, the project entries this year demonstrated energy savings of over €17 million, with an additional €40 million in projected cost savings identified over the next three years. 2010 is the first year in which an award in the area of Sustainable Energy Innovation was offered, with significant interest generated from a number of companies in that category. 

Congratulating the 2010 award winners Mr Eamon Ryan, T.D., Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, said: “The message that genuine cost savings are achievable from increased energy efficiency is starting to resonate with companies of all sizes. We are seeing the results with the winners of this year’s Energy Awards driving genuine savings of an average of 15-20% across their businesses. These are very tangible and real savings, and must serve as an inspiration for other companies.Companies have very clearly taken up the challenge to reduce their energy costs, and it is very encouraging to see such a wide range of entries this year.“ 

Commenting on the Awards announcement, Professor Owen Lewis, CEO, SEAI said: “What is most encouraging from this year’s Awards is the evidence that employees and individuals in business are now really embracing the efficiency agenda and driving change throughout Irish industry. A culture change is taking place across Irish businesses. We too often think that our individual efforts are futile in the bigger picture, but all we have to do is look at the collective efforts of entrants to this year’s Awards who have achieved energy savings of over €17 million. Individuals have made these savings happen and they should be commended.” 

Brid Horan, Executive Director, ESB Services and Energy Solutions, said: “Awards like tonight, demonstrate the confidence that still exists in this country where we have strong entrepreneurs and a well educated workforce who have the resilience and determination to shape a better future and actively look for continuous improvement.” 

Full list of 2010 Sustainable Energy Award winners: 

Energy Efficiency Award, Small/Medium User: Louth County Council – Garrett Shine Architects 

Energy Management Award, Small/Medium User: Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork 

Energy Efficiency Award, Major User: Matthews Coach Hire Ltd. 

Integrated Energy Management Award, Major User: Cordis Cashel (a Johnson & Johnson Company) 

Energy Manager of Year Award, Major User: Brian Scannell, Musgrave Group 

Renewable Energy Systems Award: Tyndall National Institute 

Energy Awareness Award: Citi 

Sustainable Energy Innovation Award: Crowley Carbon Ltd. 

Regards
Joseph Blair
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1 Dec 2010

Composition of Horticulture Action Group

Minister Cuffe Announces Composition of Horticulture Action Group

The Minister of State for Horticulture, Ciarán Cuffe TD, has announced the establishment of a Horticulture Action Group to oversee the implementation of the relevant recommendations relating to Horticulture in the Food Harvest 2020 Report.

Membership of the Group, representing the various sectors of the horticulture industry, comprises:

Mr Kieran Dunne, Nursery Stock producer
Ms Caroline Keeling, Wholesaler and Protected Crop producer
Mr John Hogan, Field Vegetable producer
Ms Lavinia Walsh, Mushroom producer
Mr Maurice Whelton, Potato producer
Mr Mike Neary, An Bord Bia
Mr Jim O'Mahony, Teagasc and
Mr Gabriel Roe, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

The remit of the Group is to focus in specific terms on the implementation of the particular recommendations in the 2020 Report relating to Horticulture and to also consider other general farm and agriculture industry level recommendations. The Group will report back to the High Level Implementation Group, which has been set up under the overall chairmanship of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Brendan Smith TD.

The Minister stated that: "the Horticultural industry has considerable potential to develop but is also facing significant challenges and that he looked forward to the Group progressing the implementation of the 2020 Food Harvest Report".

Minister Cuffe will inaugurate the first meeting of the Group on 2 December 2010.

    



Regards
Joseph Blair
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1 Dec 2010

An tSli Glas Could Create 10,000 Jobs

An tSli Glas could create 10,000 jobs 
SourceBusiness World
---------------------------------------------------
Over 10,000 jobs could be created over the next five years from the An tSli Glas (The Green Way) project - the country's first green economic zone, according to a spokesman for the organisation. 

An tSli Glas -The Green Way is a green economic corridor initiated by a powerful alliance of businesses, academic institutions and local authorities including Ballymun Regeneration, Dublin Airport Authority, Dublin City University, Dublin Institute of Technology, Fingal County Council, Dublin City Council and North Dublin Chamber. The goal is to position Ireland as a centre of Cleantech innovation and enterprise which will link business to investors and develop trade partnerships with other major international green corridors. 

"Ireland is extremely well placed to become a global innovation hub. Against the backdrop of the serious economic and financial crisis, and the implementation of austerity measures in many countries, I am more convinced than ever that innovation is the key to a stable European economy, to growth and job creation," said European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Maire Geoghegan-Quinn. 

She spoke at a reception hosted by Professor Brian MacCraith, President of Dublin City University, one of the academic institutions involved in the tSli-Ghlas partnership which also includes Ballymun Regeneration, Dublin Airport Authority, Dublin Institute of Technology, Fingal County Council, Dublin City Council and North Dublin Chamber. 

The Commissioner continued: "Ireland has the second largest goods trade surplus in the entire EU. And Irish exports are growing - in the third quarter of this year, overall exports showed an annual rise of around 10 per cent. Irish people are among the most resourceful, dynamic and creative in the world". 

"I am confident "the Commissioner continued, "that Ireland will recover its fighting spirit and seek out and capitalise on opportunities to build a new economy. An economy built on innovation." 

Tony Boyle, Chairman of the Steering Committee for the An tSli Ghlas -The Green Way said: "The overall potential of the Green Way, which builds on our existing assets and infrastructure, is that it can assist in the transformation of our economy. It will, and has already started to, create jobs in the Cleantech sector, which is the largest job and wealth creation opportunity of the 21st century". 

Recruitment is underway for a CEO and Operations Director. 

Regards
Joseph Blair
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1 Dec 2010

Ireland's Landscaping Industry is an Economic Lifesaver

Landscaping in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic was "vibrant and vital" to horticulture and the Emerald Isle, said agriculture minister Michelle Gildernew, speaking at the recent annual awards of the Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland.

"In spite of the pressure of the recession, the role of the sector in creating useable and uplifting public spaces should not be underestimated," said Gildernew. "There are many challenges, but there is a lot to be positive about."

The overall winner, awarded the Bog Oak trophy, was Peter O'Brien & Sons, which landscaped the Point Village commercial and residential development in Dublin. Portadown-based Clive Richardson won praise for a sports pitch at Croke Park, and Landscape Centre at Ballyclare won plaudits for its walled garden at Bangor Castle.

The awards were presented by Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland chair Steven Thompson.

Regards
Joseph Blair
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30 Nov 2010

2011 Exhibitor List

Regards
Joseph Blair
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30 Nov 2010

Bloom 2011 Dates for the Diary

Bloom 2011 runs from Thursday the 2nd of June to Monday the 6th of June 2011 in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland.

You can add any of the days to your diary by clicking the relevant link in the table below.

We look forward to seeing you there.


Day Date Times Add
Thursday 02/06/201110:00 - 18:00 Add to calendar
Friday 03/06/2011 10:00 - 18:00 Add to calendar
Saturday 04/06/201110:00 - 18:00 Add to calendar
Sunday 05/06/2011 10:00 - 18:00 Add to calendar
Monday 06/06/201110:00 - 18:00 Add to calendar

Regards
Joseph Blair
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30 Nov 2010

Bloom 2010 Facts & Figures

Attendance

  • Total: 60,129
  • Thursday: 8,385
  • Friday: 11,124
  • Saturday: 15,280
  • Sunday: 11,618
  • Monday: 13,722

Visitor Demographics

  • Male: 41%
  • Female: 59%
  • Accompanied by children: 27%
  • Average number of children: 2.3

Age Profile

  • 25 - 35: 9%
  • 35 - 45: 24%
  • 45 - 55: 34%
  • 55 - 65: 22%
  • 65+: 11%

Socio-Economic Classification

  • ABC 1s: 81%

Respondents Traveled From

  • Dublin: 43%
  • Rest of Leinster: 31%
  • Connaught: 5%
  • Munster: 13%
  • Ulster: 2%
  • International: 6%

Booking Practices

  • 32% of attendants booked in advance to attend the show (17% in 2009).

Key Metrics

  • 99% of respondents found their visit either worthwhile or very worthwhile
  • Over 72% were able to recall sponsors associated with the show
  • 75% of respondents spent over 3 hours at the show
  • 84% of respondents purchased at the show
  • 63% of respondents indicated they would purchase as a result of their visit
  • 81% of respondents rated the showgardens as good/excellent
  • 91% of respondents rated the floral display marquee as good/excellent
  • 81% of respondents said they would return again in 2011
  • 11% indicated that they "maybe would" return again in 2011.


You can register your interest in sponsorship using this form or by calling Paul Gallagher in EventHaus on +353 (0)1 846 0020

Regards
Joseph Blair
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18 Nov 2010

Kildare Trade Show 2011? Kildare Grower's Press Release - “Future for Kildare”

Having carefully considered the findings presented from the review of the “Kildare Show”, Kildare Growers Group Ltd, has decided to embark on an alternative path to support and promote Amenity Horticulture.  The group has elected to focus their efforts on creating an event which will showcase the best of Irish horticulture, in association with Bord Bia (Irish Food Board).

 

Our vision for the event is to assist growers to nurture and develop new ideas, to bring quality trade buyers to the event and, supported by Bord Bia, to provide mentoring to exhibitors in presenting their offering to potential buyers. All of these activities are focused on establishing a desirable annual event.

 

Planning for the new trade event, in July 2011, more focused on promoting Irish Nurseries and associated product suppliers is currently underway, details  of which will be announced in due course.   

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Brendan Guilfoyle

Chairman Kildare Growers

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Joseph Blair
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15 Nov 2010

Executive Summary of Plan for the Development of Horticulture in Teagasc 2010-2013

Executive Summary This “Plan for the Development of Horticulture in Teagasc 2010-2013” addresses both the ongoing need for change identified in Teagasc 2030 and the Teagasc Change Programme 2009-2013 as well as the need for maximising resources of horticulture in Teagasc against a background of a deteriorating budgetary position. The horticultural sector contributes over €360 million (CSO, 2008) to agricultural output at farm gate level and provides over 6,000 jobs in the production sector. In addition the amenity services sector has a value of over €2 billion and employs an estimated 12,700 people. There is considerable potential for development of horticulture at both production and value added levels. Fruit and vegetables play a very important role in addressing the nation’s health problems and horticultural pursuits contribute to a positive lifestyle. The need for ongoing industry modernisation remains a key priority to attain the efficiencies required in a competitive global horticultural industry. New EU regulations concerning pesticides were enacted in November 2009. These together with the volumes of existing regulations including the Nitrate directorate, hygiene regulations etc will have major implications for all growers as well as the input and output service industries. The goal of Teagasc will be to provide growers and the industry with the knowledge and skills to abide by these regulations while enabling growers and the industry to deliver increased profit from productivity. The primary recommendations are listed below: 1. Exploit the development potential of horticulture, prioritising mushrooms, fruit/vegetable, nursery stock/cut foliage and turfgrass sectors. a. Support innovation that adds value in the food sector taking advantage of the positive healthy profile associated with fruit/vegetables. b. Support innovation that creates diversity in the nursery stock/cut foliage sector. c. Use Producer Organisations to drive investment and consolidate market developments where possible. 2. Integrate horticultural research, advisory and education services in one programme under the leadership of a dedicated programme manager. This will better service the needs of the horticultural sector and enable rationalisation of Teagasc resources. Horticultural activities will be located at a) Ashtown/National Botanic Gardens b) Kildalton. Potato development work will be associated with the tillage crops and potato expertise in Oak Park. 3. The drivers of the horticultural programme will be a) Profit from productivity; b) Innovation for added value; c) Energy efficiency and d) stakeholders needs. 4. Teagasc will form a “Horticultural Commodity Team” comprising representatives from Teagasc, Bord Bia, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and stakeholders representing sectoral interests including growers and the industry. This team will provide leadership and coordination to the horticultural industry. Enterprise teams will be established to provide leadership to the individual sectors. A Joint Programme Development Team with representatives from Research, Advice and Education will draw up the annual Teagasc Horticulture Business Plan. 5. Key appointments required subject to resources are: a. entomologist to service the needs of all horticultural production; b. Specialist-Researcher on potatoes; c. Specialist-Researcher on mushrooms; d. Post doctorate or post graduate researcher on cut foliage; and, e. Knowledge transfer person dealing with horticultural web content, publications, short courses and public events.

11 Nov 2010

Breaking News! Development Plan for Horticulture In Ireland to be Released within days

Director of Horticulture at Teagasc Jim O’Mahony is making ready the plan for the public domain and all interested industry sectors. Stay tuned to HortiTrends for this and other latest news updates!
11 Nov 2010

Breaking News! Development Plan for Horticulture In Ireland to be Released within days

Director of Horticulture at Teagasc Jim O’Mahony is making ready for the public domain and all interested industry sectors. Stay tuned to HortiTrends for this and other latest news updates!

Joseph Blair
www.HortiTrends.com
HorticultureTrends


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11 Nov 2010

HortiTrends to Give Industry Talk to ITB Horticulture Entrepreneurship Programme 2010

Joseph Blair of www.HortiTrends.com and Director of Horticulture Network Ireland will be speaking to students and entrepreneurs in the Institute of Technology's Horticulture Department tomorrow. He will be discussing a range of issues that are effecting existing businesses and new entrants into the horticulture sector in Ireland and Europe. He will be also showing students the benefits of joining the HortiTrends Business2Business Horticulture Directory and Sourcebook that will help them to Grow their Trade in Horticulture in Ireland now and into the future. 
It is a free online directory that unlike paper catalogue directories will not be gathering dust on any shelf and are not out of date as soon as they are published. He will be also be revealing some trick of the trade and the benefits of a Social Media for Business campaign that will make the Directory outshine any new or existing entrants to the market. he will also talk about getting Free Money! from the likes of Bord Bia through the MAP programme among others. Check back over the weekend for an update on the talk and also how your company too can benefit by getting its business profile on Hortitrends now! Stay tuned for an important link up with and online consumer gardening website. Sign up to day at www.HortTrends.com

Keep Yourself updated! Click Here to Subscribe to our News Letter and Alerts for the Horticulture & Fresh Produce Sectors In Ireland. 


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3 Nov 2010

GLDA Seminar Ticket Sales to Date Suggest a Pre Christmas Sell Out.

Garden and Landscape Design Seminar, Saturday 29th January 2011

 

Inspired: What drives successful design?

 

Design is borne of many things; Ego, empathy , passion, skill, history, belief, knowledge, vision, bravery, economy and emotion all play their part in stimulating designers to solve problems, satisfy desires and overcome challenges. What drives and constitutes successful design is a somewhat more complex issue. While consensus may be reached on intent, function and aesthetics, the shifting sands of time alter perception, attitude and environment making it an essentially ephemeral agreement; And one which design professionals have debated for eons.

 

To frame a contemporary vision of what drives successful design, the Garden and Landscape Design Association (GLDA) have enlisted the genius of some of Europe’s most respect design professionals for a day of insight, opinion and debate.  Now in its 15th successful year, the GLDA design seminar, which is aptly entitled, Inspired: What drives successful design? Will take place on Saturday 29th of January at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. The speaker line-up for the eagerly awaited 2011 seminar features multi award-winning design professionals of national and international acclaim, including Tom Stuart-Smith, Róisín Heneghan of Heneghan Peng Architects, Hugh Ryan MGLDA and James Doyle of James Doyle Associates.

 

As the design calendar event of the year places are already being snapped up. To secure your place at this exciting event you are encouraged to book early. For tickets and further information contact the GLDA office on: 01 2940092, info@glda.ie or via www.glda.ie.

 

This event is proudly supported by Bord Bia, Ireland’s Food Board.

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

'

3 Nov 2010

"Operation Chip It" News

"Operation Chip It" News November 3, 2010

Facts about “Operation Chip It”

Different messages about ‘Operation Chip It’ are circulating in the media. Some are correct, but there are also many misunderstandings. The short and simple facts are as follows:

 

  • 1. From the 10th of January 2011 FloraHolland, GASA, Landgard and CC will scan all incoming containers.
     
  • 2. From the 10th of January 2011 FloraHolland, GASA, Landgard and CC will only hand out genuine CC Containers. 
     
  • 3. In December / January you will receive new ID tags (‘padlocks’) according to the number of CC Containers you have under contract with CC. CC will credit you GBP 0.17 per CC Container for the tagging. 
     
  • 4. If you have more CC Containers than stated in your contract(s) with CC, you can currently add these to your CC contract holding at a special license fee of only GBP 5 per CC Container. After the 10th of January 2011, the license fee will be GBP 15. 
     
  • 5. All containers without the new CC ID tag and the CC metal plate will be rejected. 
     
  • 6. New ID tags that cannot be scanned or give an error message will, in the first instance, also be accepted and included in your balance. They will, however, be recorded separately. 
     
  • 7. A special Control Group, manned with both internal and external experts, will investigate and report any suspicious flows or patterns. This is necessary in order to find and eliminate misuse of our common system. 
     
  • 8. If the situation demands it, customers with suspicious flows or patterns will be asked to improve control before hand-in so that any misuse can be avoided.

Scan your CC Containers – YOUR Guarantee!

Containers without a genuine CC RFID tag are not accepted in the CC Pool System. Therefore, we recommend that you always scan the containers you receive.

More information
www.operation-chip-it.com

 

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

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'

2 Nov 2010

www.HortiTrends.com Launching B2B Horticulture Trade Directory & Website that will Work Hard for Your Business

Horticulture & Fresh Produce Ireland News website www.HortiTrends.com is to provide Horticulture Network Ireland with it's new feed service on it's network site at www.horticulture.ie The news feed covers all the sectors involved in the provision of products and services in both the B2B and the B2C arena including:

Nurseries & Ornamental Growers.
Fresh Produce, Fruit & Vegetable Growers.
Garden Centre, Florists & Retail.
Landscaping & Landscape Architecture.
Green Keeping & Sports Turf.
Arboriculture & Forestry.
Environment & Green Sectors.
Local Authority, Parks & Government.
Jobs, Events & Tender Alerts.

John Whelan CEO of the Irish Exporters Association said " A news and directory service of this kind has been sorely missed in the sector and will help companies to stay abreast of changes and trends in the areas of horticulture & fresh produce while providing them with a vehicle to promote and market their services."
He also welcomed three new members. Aqua Flor Direct Ltd www.aquaflordirect.com, Neutrog Fertilisers www.neutrog.ie and HortiTrends www.HortiTrends.com

Joseph Blair of HortiiTrends also announced the launch of a new Directory Service for businesses in the Horticulture and Fresh Produce sectors. "It will go hand in hand with the HortiTrends website and will be heavily marketed at home and abroad as a resource tool for companies who want to source products and services. It will not be your typical static site and will utilise all the benefits of Social Media for Business."

There are also plans to launch both a Trade News printed magazine along with a new consumer gardening website and consumer magazine. Horticulture companies in Ireland will now have a one stop shop to interact with both the B2B and B2C markets. 
To find out more contact Joseph on 087 9212044 or visit www.HortiTrends.com

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

'

29 Oct 2010

John and Linda Stanley Have an Award Winning Year

John and Linda Stanley, the owners of John Stanley Associates are having a year of awards.  

Belmont Small Business awards announced last week that their company John Stanley Associates had won the Belmont Small Business Export Award.

This is the third recognition of their endeavours in the last twelve months. Twelve months ago the couples business was awarded the Small Business Champions Award for Training and Education in Western Australia and John was awarded Small Business Champion Entrepreneur of the Year for Western Australia.

In July the UK horticultural press placed John in the top 100 most influential people in the UK horticultural retail industry; this was for the second year running and he was  the only non UK resident in the list.

This latest award is in recognition of the amount of work the couple do outside of Australia helping small businesses to grow and prosper. On the awards presentation night, John and Linda could not be present to accept their award as they are working with retailers in Hungary, Czech and Poland. Their Eastern European work is a combination of conference presentations, consultancy and retail workshops. The couple work in 28 countries on all Continents where businesses exist, they have worked in Czech before, but this is the first time they have worked in Poland and Hungary. Their first trip to Poland has already resulted in four more trips being organised to work with the industry.

You can take a look at their calendar of work on their website www.johnstanley.com.au

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

'

29 Oct 2010

ScottsMiracle-Gro Announces Jim Hagedorn Will Remain as CEO

ScottsMiracle-Gro Announces Jim Hagedorn Will Remain as CEO

Barry Sanders promoted to President; Mark Baker departs as President and Chief Operating Officer

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG), the world's leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, today announced that Jim Hagedorn has decided to continue to serve as both chairman and chief executive officer. In 2008, Mr. Hagedorn announced his intention to retire as CEO during this fiscal year.

"The success we've seen over the past two years has been exciting, but it really just reinforces how much more opportunity remains for our Company and the lawn and garden category," Hagedorn said. "While I thought I wanted to step aside after I turned 55, I've decided I want to stay engaged in the business and, with the approval of our Board of Directors, intend to do so."

ScottsMiracle-Gro also said that Mark Baker, who was hired as president and chief operating officer two years ago, has departed the Company and the Board of Directors.

"While I will miss the good friends I have made over the past two years, my decision to leave is the right thing for the Company," Baker said. "Jim is a strong and charismatic leader and I continue to share his vision for ScottsMiracle-Gro. I wish him and all 8,000 associates good luck and I am confident in their continued success."

Additionally, Barry Sanders has been named president of the Company, effective immediately.

Sanders joined ScottsMiracle-Gro in 2001, overseeing the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system as well as the consolidation of the North American Consumer business. He later led the sales force in the U.S. and was then promoted to lead the Company's Global Supply Chain. In 2008, Sanders was selected to lead the U.S. Consumer business and, earlier this year, was named executive vice president of the entire Global Consumer segment.

"I am confident that the leadership team here is as strong as we've ever had," Hagedorn said. "Barry has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to drive profitable growth and has repeatedly set a clear direction for his team, and has been tenacious in driving results.

"I also want to acknowledge the important contributions that Mark Baker made to this Company. As President and COO he helped us implement changes that will benefit us for years to come. And the insights he provided during his seven-year tenure on our Board made our discussions more productive and truly helped to guide the vision and strategy of our Company. I look forward to continuing my 20-year friendship with Mark. He leaves us on good terms and I want to thank him for all he has done," Hagedorn said.  

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

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'

27 Oct 2010

Obituary: Jim Kelleher a Committed Horticulturist and Family Man Remembered by Friends and Colleauges

It is with great sadness that we report the recent death of a popular and hardworking horticultural colleague. I asked Jim's colleagues in Teagasc for a few words.

“The death has recently taken place of Jim Kelleher, Teagasc Nursery Stock Specialist advisor. Jim was based at Kildalton for a long number of years both as an advisor and lecturer in horticulture. He started his career in County Wicklow where he served in the early 80’s. During his time at Kildalton Jim was seconded to Avonmore/Glanbia where he headed up the emerging forestry division before returning to Kildalton. Jim made a very significant contribution to horticultural development.  In January 2010, despite the onset of his illness, Jim was a key driver of plans for the Nursery sector as outlined in the “Plan for the Development of Horticulture in Teagasc 2010-2013”. Socially Jim was great company – a renowned raconteur and able musician! Jim will be sadly missed by his clients, colleagues and friends in Teagasc and particularly at Kildalton.

All at Teagasc send our sympathies to Jim’s wife Kathleen and family.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Jim Kelleher

Jim at the National Plant Fair, Punchestown 2009.

Photo: Koraley Northen

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

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'

27 Oct 2010

40.4bn in Irish exports in Q3 2010

40.4bn in Irish exports in Q3

John Whelan

John Whelan


The leap in exports was driven by an aggressive 12.8pc growth in merchandise exports, according to the Exporters Association (IEA) third quarter review.Good growth in merchandise and services exports brought total Irish exports for the third quarter to €40.4bn, marking a 9.3pc increase on last year.

The Association’s chief executive John Whelan said the export effort continues to show Ireland the “way out of the recession”.

The review said that merchandise exporters gained from a broadening out of the growth across most of the main international trading markets. Exchange rate competitiveness and continued buoyancy in global trade also assisted the acceleration in export growth.

Whelan said the euro exchange rate with the dollar in the three months toSeptember was, on average, 10pc lower than it was in 2009. “This helped Irish manufactured goods exports to the US rise by 32pc in value,” continued Whelan. “This reversed the losses in exports to that market over the last two years. This indicates clearly that Irish exports are now competitive into the US, provided the US Treasury does not re-enter the currency market to weaken the dollar.”

Whelan added that the exchange rate with sterling also improved during the quarters, helping exports to the UK rise by 4pc. This was particularly important for the indigenous sector which trades heavily to the UK market, said Whelan.

The agri-food sector increased its export sales by 14pc. Services exports grew 4.9pc, a more modest growth than its aggressive pattern in the first half of the year. The Association expects export sales will continued to be strong for the rest of the year, and therefore has revised its forecast for the year to €158.9bn in total exports.

It added that Irish exports could grow faster next year if the Budget 2011 is supportive of the export sector and does not increase the cost of exporting from Ireland. The IEA Pre-Budget Submission outlines the key routes to export expansion that should be supported in the Budget. 

Whelan stated that despite the strong overall performance of Ireland exports, it is hard to overstate the difficulties faced by exporters in 2010. He said volatile exchange rates, reduced trade finance for expansion, withdrawal of bank bond guarantees, withdrawal of invoice discounting cover and credit insurance difficulties all are problems which exporters still face.

However, he concluded, “There is clear evidence that exporters can drive their way out of this recession and bring economic growth with it, but it is essential that the upcoming Budget supports export growth and does not increase the cost of doing business in Ireland.”

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

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'

27 Oct 2010

UK Landscape Award Final Shortlist Announced

UK Landscape Award final shortlist announced

The UKLA shortlist has been announced and the details on the six finalists are revealed here...

UKLA shortlist announced

A shortlist of six UK landscapes were announced on 12 October as contenders for the first-ever UK Landscape of the Year soon to be revealed at the Landscape Convention Conference in November…

The six finalists from the transformed heritage coastline in Durham to a bustling city-based network of green spaces in Sheffield, represent the rich variety of work going on the profession today. The shortlist is: 

  • A twenty-five-year campaign to improve the Mersey Basin
  • Restoration of the Durham Heritage Coast – previously an industrial wasteland
  • Creation of spectacular spaces and streets in the heart of Sheffield
  • Community-led rebuilding of Baxter Park, Dundee in Scotland
  • Conservation of the hill forts and heather moorland of Denbighshire in Wales
  • Regeneration of Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland

The winning landscape will go on to represent the UK in the European Landscape Award, which takes place in Strasbourg in March 2011.

Commenting on the announcement, Natural Environment Minister, Richard Benyon, said: “Whether you’re in a town or in the countryside there are areas around us that we should rightly be proud of. A good landscape makes us feel part of a community and gives a sense of pride in where we live.”

Helen Phillips, Natural England Chief Executive, was equally emphatic: “All landscapes are important. They form the link between human society and the natural world, and provide vital natural support services – such as food, clean water, climate change regulation, flood prevention and, of course recreation. All six shortlisted landscapes showcase what can be achieved when communities and partners come together to support the landscapes around them.”

Professor Keith Nicholson, a board member of Scottish Natural Heritage says, “We are really pleased to see the Dundee project win the Scottish heat of the award. This project has demonstrated real commitment to sustainable landscape in the local community. Looking after our landscapes is a responsibility shared by everyone. The Dundee project has embraced that responsibility wholeheartedly and we wish it every success in the finals.”

Project profiles: your guide to the UKLA shortlist

Full details of all schemes are available at:uklandscapeaward.org/results

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

'

27 Oct 2010

Capital Investment Programme 'Crucial' For Economic Growth, Says CIF


The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has called on the Irish Government to make job retention and development a primary goal of its four-year budgetary policy. 

Speaking at the publication of the federation's pre-Budget submission, the Director-General Tom Parlon said: "The Government’s fiscal consolidation targets for the next 4 years won’t be achieved without economic and employment growth. If this is to be achieved, the Government has to protect productive spending in the Budget.

"The Capital Investment Programme is particularly crucial in this regard. Cutting capital investment again will only serve to further depress economic activity and as has been illustrated over the past two years, put more pressure on the Exchequer as a result of further unemployment. Cutting productive investment is a false economy."

Mr Parlon continued: "There are a range of measures that the Minister can introduce, at no cost to the Exchequer, to help support the economy. A good example is stamp duty. Persisting with a high transaction tax when there are no transactions makes no sense, either from the economy’s or the Exchequer’s perspective."

"Introducing a 0 per cent stamp duty rate may encourage more interest in commercial and residential property transactions and therefore generate additional incomes for the State," he added.


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'

27 Oct 2010

Glee visitor numbers fall 11% as visitors stay away by Phillip Voice

Exhibitors at this years Glee must be wondering how low visitor numbers can fall as unaudited figures show that just under eleven percent less people attended the event between 20-22 September 2010, NEC Birmingham.

The show has now seen a fall of 49.5% since its peak in 2003 (source ABC).

Confusingly, and quite worryingly - official Glee media partner - Hort Week, headlined their story 'Glee hails visitor uplift to 13,000'. I might be missing something (perhaps it's an industry code?) but Glee posted 14,617 in 2009 and only 13,050 in 2010 - a fall of just under 11%?

Hort Week will have to explain how it's come to its conclusion because I don't understand it.

Here's the audited* figures from 2003 to date.

2010* 13,050 (unaudited)
2009 14,617 
2008 18,119 
2007 22,202 
2006 24,530 
2005 25,157 
2004 24,761 
2003 25,886

Glee

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27 Oct 2010

Landscaping & Landscape Architecture News: UK Hard Landscaping Show 2011 Cancelled

Hard Landscaping Show 2011 cancelled

HLSThe Hard Landscaping Show 2011, due to have been opened by journalist Matthew Wilson, has been cancelled after organisers failed to sell enough stand space to make the February 2011 event viable.

Event director, Stephen Callaghan, told DIY Week: "Trading conditions in the landscaping industry remain very tough," and went on, "Many of our major exhibitors are struggling to commit and this has been making it difficult for us to achieve our goal of significantly growing the show for 2011."

Callaghan is proposing that the Hard Landscaping Show will return in February 2012 and has intimated that the event may go to bi-annually.

by Phillip Voice.

More coverage:

Hort Week - Hard Landscaping show postponed until 2012 due to 'tough trading conditions'

The Landscaper Magazine - SHOW MOVES TO 2012

The Hard Landscaping Show website.

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

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'

27 Oct 2010

New UK Landscaping Trade Show for 2011

CL LogoRGBDates_picnik


....a step closer to launch

As a landscaping and gardening industry analyst, I've been appalled in recent years at the way the landscaping and horticulture industry has largely ignored the end user when organising trade events.

The emphasis has always seemed to have been on the product or services supplier's relationship with the ultimate buyer, and the practitioner - the guys and girls who use machinery and products, day in and day out - too often referred to as 'tyre kickers', are all but forgotten in the development and sales process.

It's time that practitioners' experience knowledge is fed back into development and fine tuning of equipment and machinery because they are the ones who get to know, warts and all, how a piece of equipment feels and responds handles or how a product works, during the course of their work.

The day has arrived whereby the practitioner, rightly, is becoming recognised as the driver of the landscape and garden industry - their opinion, views and advice should be ignored at peril.

Managers have had their time and not made a difference: how can someone who sits at a desk all day possibly know what machine to buy when they are not out in the fields and dealing with conditions underfoot? It's all well and good acting as a middleman and feeding information back to developers but as always, something will always get lost in translation.

Machinery, equipment, product developers and manufacturers should have the opportunity to talk directly with the practitioner: The Landscape Juice Network was the first ever landscape and horticulture professional trade network to bring together everyone from the landscaping and garden world and now we are close to launch of our brand new industry Trade Show called Creating Landscapes.

I guess it's a case, proverbially at least, of putting my money where my mouth is.

If you are a product, equipment, machinery or plant supplier, why not come over and participate in landscaping and gardening's specialist industry event?

I'm delighted to welcome Stephen Ingram to the Landscape Juice Network as part of the Creating Landscapes' team.

Stephen is an independent exhibition and event organiser having previously worked within the event market and have organised the likes of The Royal Smithfield Show, The CLA Game Fair, The National Amateur Gardening Show and The Royal Bath & West of England Show.

For further details, you can email Stephen directly at stephen@hale-events.com Keep an eye out for the official launch.


If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

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'

26 Oct 2010

Garden and Landscape Design Seminar, Saturday 29th January 2011

Inspired: What drives successful design?

 

Design is borne of many things; Ego, empathy , passion, skill, history, belief, knowledge, vision, bravery, economy and emotion all play their part in stimulating designers to solve problems, satisfy desires and overcome challenges. What drives and constitutes successful design is a somewhat more complex issue. While consensus may be reached on intent, function and aesthetics, the shifting sands of time alter perception, attitude and environment making it an essentially ephemeral agreement; And one which design professionals have debated for eons.

 

To frame a contemporary vision of what drives successful design, the Garden and Landscape Design Association (GLDA) have enlisted the genius of some of Europe’s most respect design professionals for a day of insight, opinion and debate. 

Now in its 15th successful year, the GLDA design seminar, which is aptly entitled, Inspired: What drives successful design? Will take place on Saturday 29th of January at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. The speaker line-up for the eagerly awaited 2011 seminar features multi award-winning design professionals of national and international acclaim, including Tom Stuart-Smith, Róisín Heneghan of Heneghan Peng Architects, Hugh Ryan MGLDA and James Doyle of James Doyle Associates.

 

As the design calendar event of the year places are already being snapped up. To secure your place at this exciting event you are encouraged to book early. For tickets and further information contact the GLDA office on: 01 2940092, info@glda.ie or via www.glda.ie.

 

This event is proudly supported by Bord Bia, Ireland’s Food Board.

 

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If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

'

21 Oct 2010

Organic Growers of Ireland (OGI) Conference

Organic Growers of Ireland (OGI) Conference

The Organic Growers of Ireland (OGI) are delighted to confirm details of their forthcoming conference on Monday November 22nd. The OGI were formed in 2008 and since then they have slowly gathered momentum around the country. This is the first conference that they are hosting and it takes place in Killcormac, Co Offaly (situated on the N52 between Birr and Tullamore).  Presentations on the day include topics such as Organic Seeds and Varieties, Super Valu Local Organic programme, Irrigation and Composting.  Watch this space for more details! 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

'

21 Oct 2010

Hedgerow Survey Needs Your Help by RHS UK

Hedgerow survey needs your help

21 October 2010

The hedgerow is home to much wildlife

The hedge in your back garden may hold crucial information for scientists assessing the country's biodiversity as the latest 'citizen science' survey by the Open Air Laboratories Project (OPAL) gets under way.

The OPAL team is inviting members of the public to collect as much information as possible about the hedges in back gardens, parks and open spaces all over the country, particularly in urban locations.

'We know quite a lot about hedges in the countryside and how important they are, but how much biodiversity do they contain in cities?' said Jonathan Silvertown, head of the OPAL Biodiversity Observatory. 'They might be even more important in urban areas where natural habitats are more scarce.'

How you can take part

Hedges are already known to support a wide range of life, but the survey hopes to find out which hedges best support insects and small mammals. Participants select a three-metre stretch of hedge and record information about the appearance of the hedge, how many flowers, fruits and nuts it contains, which insects they find there and other evidence of animals using the hedge, such as holes and burrows.

Once results arrive, they are placed on an online map and the survey team rates each hedge according to its importance for wildlife, building up a picture of the state of hedgerows around the country.

Other surveys

The biodiversity survey is the fifth in a series of surveys carried out under the five-year OPAL project, set up in 2007 with a grant from the Big Lottery Fund. Other projects already under way that you can join in with include:

  • Assessing earthworm populations
  • Air quality
  • The health of ponds, rivers and streams.
Thousands of results have already been collected and a final report bringing together conclusions from all the projects is to be published in late 2012.((tag: HortiNews, horticulture, fresh produce, news, trends, Ireland, ))

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'

21 Oct 2010

2020 Vision - Improving Ireland’s biodiversity knowledge base

2020 Vision - Improving Ireland’s biodiversity knowledge base

The National Biodiversity Data Centre has produced a knowledge gaps document 2020 Vision - Improving Ireland’s biodiversity knowledge base as one output from the recent Biodiversity Knowledge Quest event hosted by the Centre. The document provides a brief summary of the biodiversity knowledge gaps workshops and proposes a list of the key knowledge gaps that could be filled over the next 10 years. This document is a consultation document. 

Interested parties are invited to make written submissions on the content of the document to info@biodiversityireland.ie. Submissions should be received by Friday 29 October 2010.

Feedback is particularly sought on two questions; 

1. Would filling of the key knowledge gaps listed in Table 1 make a significant contribution to expanding our knowledge base over the next 10 years? 

2. Are there any gaps or errors in the tables presented in Appendix I? 

The document can be downloaded from http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/Knowledge-Gaps-Document-_for-consultation_.pdf

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'

21 Oct 2010

Minister Launches Research Call and Research Newsletter

Following on from the Food Harvest 2020 Report, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith TD, has announced details of a €10 million Research Call across the Department's three competitive research programmes: FIRM (Food Institutional Research Measure), RSF (Research Stimulus Fund) and COFORD (Competitive Forest Research for Development).


The Minister reaffirmed his belief that a vibrant Agri-Food Industry is a key part of the Smart Economy and will play a key role in leading our country to better economic times. The Minister said "the importance of research and innovation was emphasised in the Food Harvest 2020 Report as a prerequisite to achieving the growth targets for the agrifood sector. In response to the Report I am therefore delighted to launch these very significant research initaitives".

Under FIRM a number of initiatives have been developed which will build on existing research capacity and capability and will add value to existing research outputs whilst also delivering new knowledge to underpin the future development of the food industry. The industry itself has been very involved in informing the content of the Call under the remit of the AgriVision 2015 Food Industry Research Group chaired by Dan Browne. The Minister stressed that "the outputs of the research will provide the basis to deliver on a number of the growth targets outlined in Food Harvest 2020.  One of those targets is to increase the production of milk by 50% over the next 10 years and one of the initiatives under the FIRM programme will provide the scientific knowledge to add value to this sector".

Through the Stimulus programme the Department has committed substantial resources to agriculture based research, resulting in the development of significant research capacity. The Department wishes to further strengthen this capability by supporting the development of a collaborative research network on climate change in agriculture. This network will assist the development of sustainable high calibre integrated multidisciplinary collaborative research effort and will facilitate greater participation in International Collaborative Research Initiatives in this field.

The Minister added that "in addressing the issue of competitiveness, a joint FIRM/Stimulus initiative will also be launched".

In forestry research, proposals relating to forest reproductive material and forest health and protection will be invited from Irish research institutions. Both of these research areas are vital to the productivity and well being of the forest resource, especially in times of the predicted environmental impacts from climate change.

Minister Smith stated that "benefits from projects funded under the Research Call  will accrue not only to producers and processors but also to the wider rural community". They will also contribute to improved collaboration between various research institutions and the establishment of critical mass in the respective research areas.

Further details of the research call are published on the Department's website. 

The Minister also announced the publication of the 1st edition of a new Department Newsletter - Research News . This Newsletter, produced by DAFF's Research Division, will be circulated on a quarterly basis to all DAFF's research stakeholders. It is designed to give an overview of research funded by DAFF primarily under its three competitive funding programmes (FIRM, Stimulus & COFORD), to alert researchers of EU and other international funding opportunities, and to update readers on related policy developments.  The Minister said "The launch of Research News is part of a communications strategy intended to keep relevant parties better informed of the nature, extent and value of DAFF's on-going commitment to investing in agri-food & forestry research and innovation which is seen as a priority for the future under Food Harvest 2020". The Newsletter is available to download from the DAFF website .

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

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20 Oct 2010

DEFRA to reduce resource spending by 29% and capital spending by 34% 2010 to 2010. Ireland to Follow?

Over the course of the Spending Review period, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will reduce resource spending by 29% and capital spending by 34%. The Department’s Administration budget will be reduced by 33%.

Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL)

£ billion
2010-112011-122012-132013-142014-15
Resource DEL2.32.22.12.01.8
Capital DEL0.60.40.40.40.4
TOTAL DEL 2.92.62.52.32.2

In this table Resource DEL excludes depreciation

Defra will reprioritise its spending, focusing tax payer’s money on British farming and food production; enhancing the environment and biodiversity; and supporting a green economy resilient to climate change.

The Department will manage its reductions by:

Maximising the use of matched European funding for the Rural Development Programme for England, enabling a £66m reduction in domestic contributions. This will allow environmental stewardship schemes to remain open to all farmers. Defra will prioritise schemes that will be most beneficial to the environment, increasing the  Higher Level Stewardship Scheme by 80%.

  • An expected 15% efficiency saving will be made in the procurement strategy for flood and coastal defences. Savings achieved from this will be reinvested into safeguarding and enhancing protection for people and properties. It is estimated that by March 2015, better levels of protection can be expected for 145,000 households in England.
  • Making more efficient use of resources for animal welfare and disease prevention and control, by taking forward proposals to involve the industry in sharing the responsibility and cost of disease control.
  • Abolishing British Waterways as a public corporation in England and Wales; a new waterways charity will be created.
  • Funding will be stopped for 7 waste PFI projects, saving £3 million by 2014-15 and more in the longer term.

Reducing waste and bureaucracy:

  • Reducing the number of quangos Defra funds from 92 to 39.
  • Reducing red tape and unnecessary burdens on farmers and food producers, without compromising standards. The task force on Farming Regulation will report by early 2011.

Making efficiencies

  • Reducing administration costs by £174m through reductions in staff numbers, more efficient IT and procurement practices; increased use of shared services across Government; reducing the size and cost of Defra’s corporate estate.

In addition to the above, the Department will be adopting the following idea, suggested through the Spending Challenge process:

  • Reforming the Environment Agency’s staff lease car scheme – saving up to £3m per year.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said:

“Our strategic aim is to deliver on the Prime Minister’s pledge that the Coalition will be the greenest Government ever, whilst playing our part in tackling the economic deficit that we have inherited.

“This settlement reflects the need to make significant savings alongside meeting the priorities we have set and maintaining important frontline services in respect of flood defences, environmental protection and animal health monitoring.”

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20 Oct 2010

Compost Quality Assurance Scheme Tender

Compost Quality Assurance Scheme Tender 
Source: rx3
-------------------------------------------------------------
RX3 - Rethink Recycle RemakeRx3 published a request for tenders for a compost quality assurance scheme on 6th October 2010 on the e–tenders website. The closing date for the procurement process is 16th November 2010. 

International market driven quality assurance schemes have long been recognised as having a positive impact on collection and treatment of organic waste in other jurisdictions as well as the on quality of the compost produced. In Ireland, it is considered that the development of a compost quality assurance scheme will instil further confidence in consumers as to the quality of, and benefits to, using compost products. A quality mark/logo/label, as part of a compost quality assurance scheme, will also assist consumers in identifying high quality compost products. 

The purpose of this Request for Tenders is to appoint a contractor to conduct a 3–phase project:

  • (i) to develop a compost quality assurance scheme and associated documentation (Phase 1);
  • (ii) to trial the compost quality assurance scheme for a 12 months (Phase 2);
  • (iii) to operate on a pilot basis the compost quality assurance scheme for a further 12 months (Phase 3).

This proposal is being developed in accordance with the recommendations in the Market Development Programme for Waste Resources 2007 - 2011, which is sponsored by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 

Further information and documentation relating to this notice is available on the eTenders Web Site athttp://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT175257 

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'

1 Sep 2010

Extra exposure on Horti Fair 2010 Stage

Latest Horticulture & Fresh Produce News for Ireland

Extra exposure on Horti Fair 2010 Stage.

Are you an exhibitor who would like even more exposure at the Horti Fair? For the introduction of a new product for example, the signing of a contract, celebration of an anniversary or a special presentation? If so, the Horti Fair Stage is an interesting opportunity.

This is the new events platform at the Horti Fair, in hall 6 of the Amsterdam RAI. The official opening, the prize ceremony for the Horti Fair Innovation Award, product demonstrations, receptions, announcement of the prize-winners from the House of Quality, the first rounds of the Horti Business Game and the final round of Ranking the Grower will all be held here. The Horti Fair Stage can also be used by participants for theme-based and new products presentations. Interested? Then just send an e-mail to Horti Fair and we will contact you to discuss your options!

lijntje

Successful trade press preview

On 24 August eighteen participants in the Horti Fair held presentations for the international horticultural trade press of new products and services being introduced at the Horti Fair.

This trade press and new products preview was attended by eighteen horticultural journalists representing more than twenty trade publications /websites (incl. video) from Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and international titles. This extra service offered by the Horti Fair not only results in publicity and goodwill for the participants, but also generates interest in the Horti Fair. The preview was held at the Demokwekerij Westland. Wim van der Loo, the managing director of the Horti Fair, presented the exhibition concept for the Horti Fair 2010 to the trade press and also revealed a little about the plans for 2011 and thereafter.

lijntje

Be part of the sustainability theme!

Consciously or unconsciously, many products and services shown by participants at the Horti Fair make a contribution to sustainability. And that is why it is so easy to register them for 'Earning Sustainably', the exhibition theme in 2010.

Your stand will then be included in the theme route, besides receiving an extra mention on the website, in the press file and in other Horti Fair publications. Registration is easy using your digital exhibitors manual. Some examples seen at the Horti Fair trade press preview are phalaenopsis and anthurium pot plants with longer shelf life, Fairtrade flower food, the low noise Euro Trolley that improves night-time distribution in the retail chain, watering precisely tailored to the plant and more economical and less harmful to the environment as a result, covering pots/containers to reduce the growth of moss and weeds so that less crop protection agents are needed, vertical crop protection, biological crop protection agents, energy saving through LED lighting.... there are just too many to mention!

So be part of the theme: it costs nothing, apart from the effort of registering with the manual. Any questions, or assistance needed? Just mail the Horti Fair and we will be delighted to help. 

 

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30 Aug 2010

Carbon Footprint Calculator for Business

Latest Horticulture & Fresh Produce News for Ireland

Carbon Footprint Calculator

Home / Carbon Footprint Calculator
Carbon Footprint Calculator

Carbon Footprint CalculatorThis calculator enables a company to estimate the carbon footprint of their business activities.

There are 2 main input headings

  1. Fossil fuel used for site activities and electricity from grid or renewable sources
  2. Transport fuel for staff travel and/or materials/product distribution

Report
A carbon dioxide equivalent figure in tonnes will be estimated from the inputted figures. The total carbon dioxide equivalent figures will give an estimate of your carbon footprint. If you wish you can input figures into any section of the calculator and obtain a CO2 figure for that particular parameter. You can also produce a full report by completing all the relevant sections and request a report for printing at the end.

Question 1 - Fuel Consumption
Question 2 - Electricity Used
Question 3a - Product/Materials Transport
Question 3b - Staff Business travel

Click on the link below to go to site:

http://www.envirocentre.ie/CC.aspx?ID=25596e0e-b89f-4c2e-bf2b-512323db98ac&PID=a257bece-c1e7-464a-9cd0-fde10d3a18c3

NOTE: Calculations are based on SEI and DEFRA figures. Some co-efficients used in this calculator are approximate. They are designed to give an estimate of a business carbon footprint. An in depth analysis is required in order to measure a more precise footprint.

If you require information please contact:
Declan White, Environment & Green Technologies Dept., Enterprise Ireland.
Phone: 01 727 2480
Click here to email Declan White

 

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'

30 Aug 2010

Preview looks successfully ahead to Horti Fair 2010

Latest Horticulture & Fresh Produce News for Ireland 

Hortifairliggend
 

International Horti Fair 2010

 

Preview looks successfully ahead to Horti Fair 2010

 

Aalsmeer, 30 august 2010 - New products and services, doing concrete business and exchanging professional knowledge: that is what the coming Horti Fair is all about,’’ concluded international journalists during the trade press and new products preview for the Horti Fair 2010. Twenty participants presented a selection of their new products to give the representatives of the horticultural media an early look ahead to the international horticultural exhibition being held in Amsterdam from 12 to 15 October inclusive. Wim van der Loo, the managing director of the Horti Fair described the highlights of the coming show, like the Horti Fair Stage. 

 

Journalists working for trade publications in the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Austria, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium and Great Britain, as well as for international titles - 23 of them in total - came along to the preview on 24 August. Demokwekerij Westland, the leading innovation centre in greenhouse horticulture, was the appropriate location for the preview, where one of the premieres was the introduction of the www.technicaltrials.nl website. Technical Trials (stand no. 04.0417) is one of the new pavilions at the Horti Fair and is based on an alliance of leading technical producers. The Central Station run by the participants is the pick-up point at the Horti Fair, where visitors to the show receive information from and about the 17 participating companies that can be visited during the Horti Fair. The Horti Fair Stage in hall 6 of the Amsterdam RAI exhibition complex is the new events platform.


Horti Fair Noviteitenpreview 2010.jpg




 






Photo: The Horti Fair trade press preview attracted a large delegation of international horticultural journalists.


Innovation programme

The preview, which the Horti Fair organizes every year specially for the trade press, is part of the innovation programme of the exhibition. Managing director Wim van der Loo emphasized that the Horti Fair ,,is organized from, for and by horticulture. This enables us as a trade show to focus a lot of attention on innovation, quality improvement and the stimulation of the exchange of knowledge. Through the eight special exhibition pavilions, the twenty Breakfast Briefings under the auspices of Syntens, and the exhibition theme of 'Earning sustainably'. One of the other highlights again is the presentation of the Innovation Award’’. This prestigious award (in partnership with Reed Business) is separate from the preview, incidentally, because all new products at the fair that have been registered in time are eligible to compete for the Award.

 

New

Frans van Zaal Totaal Techniek in De Kwakel (stand no. 01.0118) is introducing a Submersion System at the Horti Fair 2010.This is a new way of supplying water, in which the pots hang in containers that are submerged from below. The system is integrated into the mobile internal transport system. Crea-Tech from Ter Aar has developed a delivery system in which a robot sorts, bunches and places flowers in an auction container at a work station. The products arrive in the rack according to colour, variety and date.

WPS Hortisystems in De Lier (stand no. 04.0417) is introducing Kit Internal Transport: container systems and conveyer belts in the form of assembly kits that enable growers to take their first steps towards automation less expensively by doing the installation themselves. Plant Handling Robots is a series of robotics for pot plants and other products.

Philips Lighting B.V. in Eindhoven (stand no. 04.0502) has developed the Greenpower LED interlighting module DR/B, a lighting system placed between plant rows to provide the crop with light and heat, resulting in savings on energy and increased production. The Master Greenpower Plus 1000W EL has been improved and gives 4% more growth light throughout its lifetime as a result.

In addition to various biological pest control agents like Macro-MiteCitripar, Natufly, Capsanem and Aphipar-m, Koppert Biological Systems from Berkel and Rodenrijs (stand no. 04.0314) is also introducing the Distribug, a blower which the roller tables with pot plants move under and Rollerfix, which simplifies hanging up sticky ribbons (Rollertraps) in crops.

 

More possibilities

Vertical crop protection in the right dosage and at the right place, with biological agents such as Enzicur from Koppert and UV-C from Clean Light, and chemical crop protection: this can be done with the Klimrek Rail from Klimrek Producten BV in Pijnacker (stand no. 04.0128). The possibilities also include a longer raising period and (emergency) greenhouse roof repairs. Another new product is the corrosion-free heating system, the Klimrek Heat Buffer, which requires no expansion provision.

Hoogendoorn Growth Management from Vlaardingen (stand no. 04.0220) is showing three new products in the AVAG Market.Hoogendoorn Webinars make it possible for a number of people to follow training courses and demonstrations at the same time, online and interactively. iSii+Aquabalance is a set of scales for weighing substrate, which helps to adjust irrigation with precision to the needs of the plants. Also new is that the  iSii+Remote Server Edition remote control from Hoogendoorn has now been made suitable for companies that use a server network with Thin Clients, WiFi or smartphones.  

The HortiMax CropView from HortiMax in Pijnacker (stand no. 01.0517) makes it possible to monitor crop development in detail and make any necessary changes 24 hours a day, by means of a Nikon photographic system integrated into the climate computer. This can be done via the computer, in the greenhouse, but remotely as well. The zoom lens means that everything can be monitored in high resolution down to the most minor details. The first contracts will be concluded at the Horti Fair.

 

Attention grabber

The new HortiTop, developed in partnership with Slingerland Potgrond, is an attention grabber on the stand of Horticoop from Bleiswijk (stand no. 02.0102). It comprises Herbaedeck, a specially selected quality bark, HerbaedeckHechter, a biological gel that fixes the bark onto the pot and remains effective for 12 months, and a gel machine to apply the gel. This means labour savings, improved quality and better presentation.

Container Centralen Nederland from Hoofddorp (stand no. 03.0119) is presenting the new CC Euro Trolley for visitors to the Horti Fair. The trolley has been specially developed for retail outlets and is low noise due to its soft rubber suspension damping and the use of plastic shelves, for which old crates are reused. Two trays with pot plants fit onto the shelves of the roller containers and the deck also has two RFID tags for the purposes of registration and traceability.

Chrysal International BV in Naarden (stand no. 01.0441) is introducing a number of new products at the trade show in Amsterdam, including the world premiere of the Fairtrade Liquid Flower Food (with Max Havelaar certification mark) for roses and mixed bouquets. It is only permitted to attach the flower food to Fairtrade flowers. Also new are Chrysal Food Drops, a pack containing six portions that are sufficient to provide one year of care for orchids and green plants, and the improvedChrysal Clear Universal Powder Sachets that will give flowers and bouquets a vase life of more than seven days.

 

Introduction of partnership

BVB Substrates from De Lier (stand no. 02.0110) is announcing a partnership with Royal Philips Electronics for the purposes of research into the best combination of LED lighting and substrates. One new product is BVB Allure, a bark-free substrate for orchids using Gambit, which is a cork mixture with high structure stability. There are five different types. BVB Sublime for growing tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers is made of polyurethane using a new technology that has been developed in alliance with growers and can result in between 5 and 7% higher yield.

AVO Anthurium Vogels in Wateringen (stand no. 01.0446) is introducing Anthurium Andreanum AVO® Rosalie for pot cultivation; pot size 15-21 cm, and bears large red flowers (7-10 cm) with a green edge. AVO® Pink Christina is a new cut flower cultivar in a lasting dusty pink colour with a long plant life cycle for the consumer and high production for the grower. The company will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of its formation during the Horti Fair and will also be presenting its new house style.

Anthura B.V. from Bleiswijk (stand no. 01.0330) is introducing its Phalaenopsis (for pot cultivation) Anthura Luzern at the Horti Fair; new in Anthurium cut flower cultivation is the Bellanca®, as well as the Fire XL® and Zafira®Matiz® and Piccolo® are being introduced in Anthurium pot cultivation. Also new is the concept of a ready-made solo Anthurium bouquet in a vase, which is being presented for the retail trade at the Horti Fair.

There proved to be great interest on the part of the journalists during the preview for the Horti Fair Career Plaza (stand no. 03.0302), the House of Technology & Innovation (stand no. 04.0226), House of Quality (stand nos. 01.0126, 01.0228, 05.0102 and 05.0202), House of Software (stand no. 01.0428), the Breeders' Market (stand no. 01.0440) and the Horti Business Game (stand no. 01.0121), as well as in the exhibition theme of 'Earning Sustainably'.

 

Extensive service for trade visitors

All new products at the Horti Fair can be identified by the special Horti Fair New logo on the stands, on the official exhibition floorplans and the new products route, as well as being shown in advance on the new website at www.hortifair.com.

An additional feature of the website at www.hortifair.com this year is a search and find function at product level and there is also a HortiVisit e-mail newsletter every Wednesday, specially for trade visitors (www.hortifair.com/hortivisit). Shuttles bring visitors safely, swiftly and comfortably to the Horti Fair from horticultural areas (www.hortifair.com/route). Admission costs € 40.00 at the ticket office, but is free of charge for trade visitors, who receive tickets from participants or online (www.hortifair.com/tickets). In 2010 the International Horti Fair is being held in the Amsterdam RAI from 12 to 15 October inclusive and is open every day from 10.00 to 19.00 hours. Take a look at www.hortifair.com for an up-to-the-minute impression of the most intensively visited trade event for professional horticulture. 

 

 

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30 Aug 2010

BSc (Hons) in Entrepreneurship in Horticulture

Latest Horticulture & Fresh Produce News for Ireland

 

BSc (Hons) in Entrepreneurship in Horticulture 

To learn more click here - http://www.itb.ie/StudyatITB/bn419.html

 or email: 


Overview.

Semester 1 Modules 

New Venture Development 1: Students are required to commence this module by shaping an idea for a product or for a provision of a service into a genuine opportunity and form teams that will see the idea through to completion. Students must identify new opportunities, critically evaluate existing or alternative products or services in the marketplace, carry‐out preliminary design including proof‐of‐concept and formulate a plan for completion. At the end of the module, students will be required to defend and promote their concept to a panel in the LINC. 

Horticulture Project 1, Analysis & Design: In this module, students will undertake an individual horticulture project to support the new venture development  efforts  that  includes:  technical  review,  research,  problem  formulation  and  opportunity  identification,  scientific,  regulatory  and environmental  standards,  ethical  implications  and  solution  design.  Project  management,  including  planning,  control  and  documentation,  is critical  to  bringing  together  the  students  knowledge  and  skills  from  the  wider  course.  As  the  project  is  a  year‐long  effort,  this  module represents the initial stages of the overall project that student must complete and contributes to the new venture development efforts. 

Creativity, Innovation & Teamwork: This module provides students with an understanding of the role of creativity, innovation and teamwork in the entrepreneurial process and its ongoing role in enterprise. As well as practical exercises in creative problem solving, students will consider idea  generation  techniques,  opportunities  for  value  creation,  business  failure  and  networking.  Students  will  complete  a  number  of  team assignments in unfamiliar environments, underscoring the importance of teaming and leadership in the entrepreneurial process. 

Enterprise & Operations: This module will provide students with the skills necessary to develop a business from idea formation through the various  stages  of  the  business  life‐cycle.  Students  will  consider  enterprise  start‐up,  enterprise  supports,  new  venture  management  teams, research for operations setup, strategy development, quality management, supply chain, growth and sustainability. 

Sales  &  Marketing:  This  module  provide  students  with  an  in‐depth  understanding  and  appreciation  of  sales  and  marketing  theory  and  the practice necessary for business development as well as an ability to apply these concepts to the development of a marketing plan. 

Elective  Module:  From:  Horticultural  Business  Management  ;  Human  Resources  Management,  Landscape  Design  2,  Golf  Course  Design  7 Management, advanced Plant Pathology, Plant Treatment Regulation, Advanced Soli Science and Chemistry, Diffusion of Innovation, Universal Design for Amenities, Genetics and plant Breeding, Environmental Indicators, Synthetic sport surfaces, Historical Parks & Gardens, Horticulture Therapy.


Semester 2 Modules 

New Venture Development 2: This module is a ‘follow‐on’ from New venture Development 1. Student teams are required to gain considerable traction and progress their ideas further towards commercial reality. As part of this module, the students must complete detailed design and analysis,  develop  prototypes  or  simulations  as  a  product  or  service  demonstrator.  In  parallel,  students  must  complete  a  business‐plan  and support documentation to appropriate proofing points that would allow it to attract the necessary resources to make it happen. 

Horticulture Project 2, Implementation: This module is a ‘follow‐on’ from Project 1. Project execution, solution implementation and application of the research hold greater emphasis in this part of the project. Demonstrating the bringing together of knowledge and skills from the wider course  is  achieved  through  a  major  written  submission  as  a  thesis,  a  presentation  of  the  project  to  an  expert  panel  and  a  practical demonstration of the creative solutions implemented.  As the project is a year‐long effort, this module represents the final stages of the overall project and contributes to the new venture development efforts. 

Aboriculture 2: This module enhances the student’s depth of understanding of the science of arboriculture. The student will integrate their knowledge of the plant physiology of trees with the ability to manage Ireland’s reserves of forest, woodland and urban trees. Student will learn to make decisions and work with stakeholders on the survival or otherwise of areas of the national tree stock drawing on elements of their scientific and technical expertise. 

New Venture Finance: This module requires the student to explain the relationship between and interpret the balance sheet, profit and loss account and cash‐flow. Understand the key the techniques in managing working capital, know the appropriate sources of funding for a given investment proposal, prepare a basic set of financial projections for inclusion in a business plan, understand the linkages between marketing and production decisions and financial performance of the enterprise. 

Legal, IP & Commercialisation: This module provides students with an in‐depth understanding and appreciation of the Irish legal system, the legal  responsibilities  and  opportunities  for  those  in  business  and  how  the  law  facilitates  entrepreneurship.  The  module  also  explores  the creation, capture and exploitation of intellectual property as well as contract law, tort, business forms and the sources of law. 

Elective  Module:  From:  Horticultural  Business  Management  ;  Human  Resources,  Landscape  Design  2,  Golf  Course Design  7  Management, advanced  Plant  Pathology,  Plant  Treatment  Regulation,  Advanced  Soli  Science  and  Chemistry,  Diffusion  of  Innovation,  Universal  Design  for Amenities, Genetics and plant Breeding, Environmental Indicators, Synthetic Sport Surfaces, Historical Parks & Gardens, Horticulture Therapy.

To learn more click here - http://www.itb.ie/StudyatITB/bn419.html

 or email: 

www.HortiTrends.com Horticulture & Fresh Produce News Ireland

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'

26 Aug 2010

Green infrastructure central to planning process - Comhar SDC

Latest Horticulture & Fresh Produce News for Ireland

Development of green infrastructure should be a core part of Ireland’s planning policy, including local development plans and the national spatial strategy. That is according to Comhar Sustainable Development Council, which launched its latest research report today.

We need to move to a system where the protection and enhancement of our green infrastructure is integrated into the planning process, according to Comhar SDC who today launched Creating Green Infrastructure for Ireland. This would require mapping of natural ecosystems to provide evidence of the value of biodiversity and ecosystems to the economy and society, it said.  

"Development has been a major driver of habitat degradation and biodiversity loss in Ireland," said the report's editor, Dr. Cathy Maguire, Director of Research at Comhar SDC. "Biodiversity continues to decline because its value is not reflected in decision-making by business and government.  While tools such as 'Strategic Environment Assessment' and 'Environmental Impact Assessment' have become part of our development process, they are essentially reactive measures. 

“The introduction of a green infrastructure approach to planning policy would help to protect, create and manage green infrastructure in an integrated and proactive way.  It would also enhance Ireland's biodiversity and improve resilience to climate change."

Comhar SDC describes 'green infrastructure' as "a network of green spaces that help conserve natural ecosystems and provide benefits to human populations through water purification, flood control, carbon capture, food production and recreation.  Such spaces include woodlands, coastlines, flood plains, hedgerows, city parks and street trees."

Comhar cites the National Parks and Wildlife Services estimates that natural ecosystems contribute at least €2.6 billion to Ireland's economy each year, across a range of sectors, including agriculture, health and aquaculture.


Creating a better work-life environment

 Also speaking at today's launch, Professor Frank Convery, chairperson of Comhar SDC (pictured), said: "Green infrastructure that is operating at its peak and is well connected can makes cities, towns and rural areas better places in which to work.  High-quality green infrastructure translates into higher property values and rents, and is also attractive to the high-value industries, entrepreneurs and workers now needed to underpin the knowledge economy.

 "The health benefits of a green infrastructure are also numerous.  Well-planned green spaces can act as important places to exercise, particularly in an urban centre.  They also provide play areas for children and act as a recreational space for members of the local community.  This offers positive benefits in terms of a community's physical and mental health."


Professor Convery said that the upcoming revision of the National Biodiversity Plan, as well as the National Adaptation Plan, offers an important opportunity to put green infrastructure on the agenda of all the agents involved in planning and infrastructure delivery.  "Apart from national and local buy-in from our elected representatives, we need all of the key sectors - from agriculture to tourism and planners - to work together to realise the economic and social benefits of protecting our biodiversity," he added.

 

Recommendations to Government


The report contains a range of recommendations to government on how green infrastructure can be developed in Ireland.  These include the development of national guidance and objectives; the inclusion of green infrastructure in policy and legislation; green infrastructure maps, and measures to improve data availability and harmonisation. 

 "Comhar SDC has recommended a range of actions, including the development of national guidelines which set out how green infrastructure can be incorporated into the planning process," said Maguire. "We are urging policy makers to grasp the opportunities that green infrastructure approaches can offer in bringing benefits to the environment, economy and society.  Integrating green infrastructure into our planning process would result in health and economic benefits, as well as protecting our biodiversity.  It would offer a positive dimension to our planning process and minimise conflicts between environmental and economic goals."

 "Green infrastructure mapping underpins the whole approach and, while there are data gaps and needs, a lot of useful information already exists at national and local levels," she continued. "This should be made available in a coordinated and accessible way for use in green infrastructure mapping."
  
Comhar Sustainable Development Council was established in 1999 as the forum for national consultation and dialogue on all issues relating to sustainable development. 

 

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

'

26 Aug 2010

National Organic Awards 2010 to be Announced September 14th - www.HortiTrends.com

Latest Horticulture & Fresh Produce News for Ireland

National Organic Awards 2010 to be Announced September 14th

National Organic Awards 2010 
Now in their 4th year, the National Organic Awards are recognised as 
an important feature of the organic food and drink Industry. 
Established by the National Organic Plan under the auspices of the 
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food and Bord Bia, judging for 
the National Organic Awards will take place in early September.  All 
entries will be judged by a panel of experts.

Award Categories: 
1. Best Organic Retail Product 
2. Best Organic Local Product 
3. Best Organic Export Product 
4. Best Organic New Product 
5. Best Organic Sustainable Product 
6. Best Overall Organic Product

Award winners will be announced and presented at a lunch on Tuesday 
the 14th of September in the Bord Bia Food Centre.  Winners will be 
invited and expected to attend.

The objective of the awards is to recognise the achievements and raise 
the profile of Irish organic food and drink manufacturers and growers.

This year the awards have been reviewed and will be more inclusive of 
organic producers from every sector, including horticulture growers. 

The announcement of the awards will coincide with National Organic 
Week and we hope to use the synergies to increase the profile of the 
winners and the Irish organic food sector.

Important Dates for the National Organic Awards 2010: 
Monday 23rd August: Deadline for receipt of application forms 
Tuesday 14th September: Award winners announced.

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

'

20 Aug 2010

Horticulture, Landscape and Sportsturf Management at UCD

Latest Horticulture & Fresh Produce News for Ireland

Interested in Horticulture? You might think that it’s just about gardening, but you’d be wrong! How about Sportsturf and Landscape Management, Floriculture or Social Horticulture?

 

Degree: BAgrSc (Horticulture, landscape and Sportsturf Management)

Direct entry CAO Code: DN048 or 

Omnibus entry CAO code: DN010             

Length of Programme: 4 years.                                 

Required Subjects: Irish, English, Mathematics, one laboratory science subject, two other recognised subjects. 

 

Introduction

Horticulture is the Art and Science of plant cultivation for human use. It is a topic that covers a vast and interesting range of subjects, including all of the sciences, plant protection (pests and diseases), environmental studies, business, management and communications, and of course growing plants. This degree offers a huge variety of career paths for those of you interested in working indoors or outdoors. 

With this degree you can choose the area you would like to concentrate on, pure horticulture or the management of plants in the landscape or the sportsturf industry. 

Sport and leisure has become very important in everyone’s lives. You could work and play at the same time with a career in the €750M sportsturf sector. By studying Sportsturf Managementyou could develop and maintain one of the 400 golf courses or thousands of tennis, football, rugby, bowling and other sports pitches in Ireland. 

If you like helping other people and you have felt the joy of sowing seeds and nurturing plants as they grow, you can combine these and study Social Horticulture. This area of horticulture studies the interaction between humans and plants and how you can use this knowledge to improve the lives of people. 

If food production is your interest or if you are concerned about globalisation and its impact on food supply, safety and quality then you can study Fresh Produce Production

Or if you are interested in growing plants then you can studyNursery, Garden Centre and Ornamental Plant Production. With the continuing dramatic increase in house building, road construction and other projects, the demand for plants, both for indoors and outdoor landscapes has exploded. 

If you are interested in an international career, using your French or Spanish language skills, then a career in Floriculture may be what you want? This sector produces and supplies flowers and pot plants valued at over €35M, which are sourced from all over the world, from countries such as Kenya, Israel, Bolivia, Columbia or South Africa. 

Find out what current a student thinks of the programme by clicking here.

 

Career Opportunities
All the above areas need highly trained individuals in management, technical advisory and consultation roles, research, quality assurance, sales and marketing positions, either working for the emerging large corporate companies active in this area or within your own business.

 

Programme Objectives
This degree programme is designed to help you acquire:

·

         
an appreciation of the importance of plants for human existence;

·

         
knowledge of the growth, development and protection of plants and use of plants for food, leisure, sports, social and environmental benefits;

·

         
an understanding of the Art and Science of plant cultivation for human use;

·

         
an understanding of horticultural plant production systems and how their components are integrated and managed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner;

·

         
knowledge of the horticulture, landscape and sports turf industries in Ireland, the context in which they operate, and their relationship to such industries in Europe and worldwide.

 

As well as providing you with the principles, knowledge and skills directly related to the degree, it is also designed to help you develop your transferable skills, such as:

  • the ability to think analytically, solve problems, and be creative; 
  • enhanced leadership skills and
  • a range of information technology and communication skills plus interpersonal and professional development skills which can be used in many areas of your future professional career and social life.

 

Programme Content
Year 1 is designed to ensure you have a good knowledge of the basic sciences. There is also an introduction to the horticulture programme. 

Year 2 covers the applied sciences such as soil science and plant biology as well as modules in business and fundamentals of horticulture.

Years 3 and 4 cover the core modules including nursery/garden centre management, Fruit growing, vegetable crops, plant materials, sportsturf management, landscape management and design. There is also a major project and elective course to choose.

It is important that you study the programme syllabus before making your final choice.

 

 

Professional Work Experience (PWE)
This is an important element of your degree and gives you the opportunity to further develop your skills in a real life environment. Six months PWE is taken in your area of interest between the years 3 and 4 of your degree. There are opportunities to travel for your PWE or take a semester in another university through our exchange programme. 

 

Transfers from Institutes of Technology
The Programme normally accepts a number of transferees from Institutes of Technology who have completed relevant Ordinary Degree Programmes. Details are available from the Programme Office, contact details below.

 Further Information:

Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Programme Office

Room G10 (ground floor),

UCD Agriculture and Food Science Centre

University College Dublin

Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

Tel: +353 1 716 7194

Fax: +353 1 716 1118

Email: 

a
gandv
et@ucd.ie

Website: 

www.ucd.ie/agandvetwww.HortiTrends.com Horticulture & Fresh Produce News Ireland

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com
 Latest News, Trends, Courses, Services, Products, Suppliers & Jobs for Horticulture & Fresh Produce - Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Nurseries, Landscape, Architecture,                                                                              Garden Centre, Florists, Arboriculture, Sports Turf, Green-keeping & Forestry Sectors.

'

19 Aug 2010

Glee 2010 Visitor Newsletter

Latest H

orticulture & Fresh Produce News for Ireland
 
Glee Visitor Newsletter


Glee 2010 is fast approaching and it is set to be bigger, bolder and brighter than in 2009. With over 650 fantastic brands showcasing their products there is no better place to be from the 20th to 22nd September 2010.

Glee is set to be a fantastic 3 days packed with BIG BRANDS,INNOVATION and RETAIL INSPIRATION. If you have not already done so, click here to save the dates in your diary.


Glee 2010 will deliver fantastic content to all visitors to the show. The Hothouse will return ready to inform, educate and inspire you. Key topics include;

Garden Centre of the Future


John Stanley
What will the industry look like in 2050 and how will we get there? This thought provoking presentation will stimulate ideas on the vision of the future, as well as providing practical steps we can introduce into our business tomorrow.


GYO Inspiration

Kevin Walters, Gardenworks
Recent research by Future Foundation in the UK showed that 36% of consumers (41% of family stage) are either already growing or are planning to grow their own vegetables.


This is a great opportunity. In this session, Kevin Waters from The Gardenworks will review some of the very best approaches to marketing grow your own from centres and suppliers across the country. Don't miss it!


Retail masterclass at GLEE 2010

On Wednesday September 22nd, at 10.00AM, there will be an exciting retail seminar based on the Colour your Life campaign.

Facilitator Phil Rogers of Incito Learning & Development has 30 years experience in training, development and operations with retail with giants Asda & Ikea. The session is guaranteed to be interactive and dynamic and will give you applied ideas to take back to your own businesses. It will be enriched by Phil's unique, motivational approach.

As part of the seminar, real-life gardening retailers will be sharing their experiences of using the materials and facilities on offer through Colour your Life.

The first fifty to register for the seminar at contact@colour-your-life.co.uk will receive a free voucher to use the brilliant on-line poster service - come and collect it on the day!


Are garden centres inspirational enough?

Matt Appelby, Horticultural Week
International garden centre consultant John Stanley says garden centres are losing out to farmers' markets as community hubs.


Stanley, who will be part of a Garden Retail panel looking at whether garden centres are inspirational enough, says garden centres are losing their "edge" as an experience creator.

He will join BBC Gardeners' World magazine editor Adam Pasco and HTA president Caroline Owen on this high profile panel to disscuss. Make sure you join the debate


Glee is crammed full of fantastic content, leading brands and inspirational products. Make sure you don't miss it!

We look forward to seeing you in September

The Glee team


If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com
 Latest News, Trends, Courses, Services, Products, Suppliers & Jobs for Horticulture & Fresh Produce - Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Nurseries, Landscape, Architecture,                                                                              Garden Centre, Florists, Arboriculture, Sports Turf, Green-keeping & Forestry Sectors.

'

18 Aug 2010

GLDA events. Annual Seminar will be held on the 29th January 2011

GLDA events. Annual seminar will be held on the 29th January 2011 at The National Botanic Gardens Dublin. Among the speakers is Tom Stuart Smith. 

Stay tuned for further GLDA news and updates.

 

'

18 Aug 2010

HortiFair News 2010

Horticulture & Fresh Produce News Ireland


space 0


ExpoSure:

ExpoSure is the digital newsletter from the Horti Fair for (potential) exhibitors.

0 Register new products quickly!
0

Proven profitability of participating in Horti Fair

0 High scores

Click here to unsubscribe

 

ihf2000

where horticulture meets

 


Register new products quickly!

If you are introducing new products and/or services at the Horti Fair 2010, you should register them quickly using the Exhibitors Manual. All new products registered in time compete for the prestigious Horti Fair Innovation Award (in partnership with Reed Business) and are eligible, therefore, for the prize of € 5,000 in the form of a media package!

The international jury of experts will announce the nominations at the beginning of September on the basis of the descriptions provided by the participants, which is why you should register quickly and no later than 20 August. Follow the tips in your Exhibitors Manual when describing your new products for a chance of winning the Innovation Award, which will be presented to the winner announced on the first day of the fair. The Innovation Award competition is separate from the trade press and new products preview: all products registered in time are eligible to take part.

lijntje

Proven profitability of participating in Horti Fair

Did you know that the Horti Fair is the only horticultural trade show whose profitability is proven? Our figures make it clear that participating in last year's Horti Fair produced an average of 15 new customers! And the profit on each euro of the costs of taking part was no less than € 6.19 in 2009!

lijntje

High scores

The Horti Fair has achieved high scores over the past six years. On average, 79% of participants were (very) satisfied with visitor quality, 66% were (very) satisfied with the visits to the stand and 78% (very) satisfied with the contact with the organizers. In addition, an evaluation of visits from 2006 to 2009 shows that no less than 92% of visitors found what they were looking for at the Horti Fair and 89% recommends the trade exhibition in Amsterdam to colleagues. The Horti Fair team is aiming to achieve an equally high score this year as well!

 

 

 

International Horti Fair © 2010 | Twitter | Flickr.com | YouTube | Contact


18 Aug 2010

Looking for Work Expierience in Horticulture - Waterford/Kilkenny Area

I am returning to college in September to study horticulture at Kildalton College, Co. Kilkenny. I have worked on orchards, vineyard and organic market gardens in Australia and New Zealand and decided to study horticulture when I returned home.  I am based on the Waterford/Kilkenny border and looking for weekend work experience that I can do throughout my course. Preferably I would like to work in a garden, nursery or garden centre.  

If your business can supply work experience for this person or others please contact jblair@hortitrends.com

'

18 Aug 2010

GLDA Show garden workshop with Mark Gregory and Orla Woods at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Saturday October 9th

GLDA Show garden workshop with Mark Gregory and Orla Woods at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Saturday October 9th


Event introduction 

“It’s Show Time”

The creation of a show garden is a right of passage for all garden designers. 

For some they represent the tentative first steps into the commercial reality of design, for others they’re a stage to play out a lifetime’s experience. To the public they’re a magnet; a catwalk for exterior design where future trends are set, perceptions are tested and where lifestyle aspirations are brought to life. The show garden is a corner stone in every designer’s life and career.

The creation of a show garden is no easy task, if it were, we all be making them. To realise a show garden will demand heavily of mind, body and soul, it will test patience, spirit and commitment to the limit, while draining finances and eating up time. For the dab hand they’re an immense challenge, for ill informed and inexperienced they often prove too much. 

If you’re a designer - aspiring, experienced or otherwise - looking to raise your profile, share your talents or come of age, then the upcoming GLDA workshop is a must attend event. It’s Show Time is a daylong event, taking place on Saturday 9th of October at the National Botanic Gardens, which will feature two luminaries of garden creation. Mark Gregory is a 12 time Chelsea gold Medal winner, he has built over 60 show gardens, is the recipient of numerous industry awards and is a judge for Bloom in the Park. Orla Woods needs no introduction, a multi award winning plantswoman, she has built a hugely successful career spanning the last two decades and encompassing international garden events, stage setting for film production and show garden displays. Perhaps most highly regarded for her plant-orientated skills, she is responsible for creating displays for many of Ireland’s top designers. 

Maximise the rewards and minimise the challenges of show garden creation with It’s Show Time, the GLDA’s autumn workshop. For further information or to book your seat, contact Annette McCoy on, phone: 01 2940092 Fax: 01 2948043, email: info@glda.ie or visit www.glda.ie

Admission. 
Full Members: €40
Friends: €55
Students: €35
Public: €70

'

13 Aug 2010

Neutrog South Africa meets Ireland

South Africa meets Ireland

Horticulture & Fresh Produce News Ireland - www.HortiTrends.com

On a recent holiday to Europe, Alwyn Badenhorst, who is a Customer Relationship Manager with Neutrog South Africa, took some time to visit the new factory of Neutrog Ireland, and meet Niall Reynolds, Managing Director. Alwyn has been working for Neutrog for the past 3 years, and worked for a Neutrog distributor before that. Niall was delighted to hear about how Neutrog has grown in South Africa, and was amazed to hear that over 20,000 tonnes were produced there last year.

Niall said “It’s great to speak to Alwyn about the progress in South Africa, and to learn how this was achieved. It’s very exciting to think that we could achieve similar results here over the next few years, and extremely valuable to learn from the experiences in both South Africa and Australia”.

Alwyn commented on the similarities of the landscapes in Ireland and in the region in South Africa where he lives. He also said “I am very impressed with the new factory that Niall has set up here in Ireland, and I am extremely confident that Neutrog Ireland will be just as successful as our business in South Africa”. 

Niall hopes to visit Neutrog South Africa in the near future.

 


'

11 Aug 2010

Horticulture & Fresh Produce News Ireland - Teagasc Horticulture Development Unit Staff - www.HortiTrends.com

Teagasc Horticulture Development Unit Staff.

Name Address Core activity
Acting Head of Horticulture
Jim O'Mahony Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny Management
Mushroom Team
Gerry Walsh Teagasc, Gorey, Co. Wexford Advisory
Tom Kellegher Teagasc, Monaghan Advisory
Helen Grogan Teagasc, Kinsealy, Dublin 17 Research
Fruit Team
Eamonn Kehoe Teagasc, Wexford Advisory / Research
Dermot Callaghan Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny Advisory / Research
Nursery Stock Team
Jim Kelleher Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny Advisory
Matthew Lohan
5 Aug 2010

Horticulture & Fresh Produce News - 9th Scientific Statement. Recent Irish weather extremes and climate change from RIA - www.HortiTrends.com

9th Scientific Statement. Recent Irish weather extremes and climate change from RIA

In November 2009 Ireland experienced
unusually wet weather that
caused widespread flooding. It was
followed by a cold spell from mid-December
that culminated in exceptionally
wintry conditions in the early days of
2010. Both events have led to speculation
that this is a manifestation of manmade
climate change, a foretaste of
what is to come. Is there any substance
to this view or are the events explainable
in terms of natural, as opposed to anthropogenic
(human-induced), variability
of the Irish climate?
Climate models suggest that extreme
rainfall events, such as occurred in late
2009, are likely to become more frequent
in the future, with additional
changes in the average rainfall. These
changes will be projected on the natural
variability of the climate system, a fundamental
feature that can produce large
departures from the average. It is not
possible to attribute any specific weather
events to either of these components.
The November 2009 rainfall was likely
to be part of natural variability, supplemented
with a small expected increase
in rainfall due to anthropogenic climate
change.
Similarly, the 2009/2010 winter cold
spell was consistent with the natural climate
variability displayed in the climate
records.
Read more.....

'

2 Aug 2010

Horticulture & Fresh Produce News Ireland - SCHEME OF INVESTMENT AID FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE SECTOR - www.HortiTrends.com

SCHEME OF INVESTMENT AID FOR THE 

DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMERCIAL 

HORTICULTURE SECTOR 

Funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007-2013

Terms and Conditions 

 3rd  Round   (2010) 


General 


This scheme is intended to assist in the development of the horticulture sector, 

including beekeeping, by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant 

and equipment in commercial horticulture.  The scheme aims to promote the 

diversification of on-farm activities; improve the quality of products; facilitate 

environmentally friendly practices and improve working conditions. 


Under this scheme and subject to conditions 1-31 beneath, aid at a rate of 40% 

(at a maximum rate of 50% in the case of young farmers) will be payable on the 

accepted cost (excl VAT, discounts and allowances) of capital investments 

approved and completed to the satisfaction of the Minister for Agriculture, 

Fisheries and Food. 


The scheme is primarily aimed at those in rural areas engaging in horticultural 

production and/or beekeeping. Non-production investments, which are directly 

associated with primary production, may also be considered. 


As the funds available under the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development 

of the Commercial Horticulture Sector are limited, investments will be in 

competition for grant-aid. The funding is for investments completed not later 

than 15th October 2010, unless otherwise agreed.  Payment claims will be 

accepted prior to this date.                                  

Application forms may be obtained from Seamus O’Donnell/Bernadette Doran 

at- 

 Crop Production and Safety Division, 

 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 

Administrative Building, 

Backweston Campus, 

Young’s Cross, 

Celbridge, 

Co. Kildare. 

Ph…01 5058801 / 5058797 

 E-Mail     Seamus.odonnell@agriculture.gov.ie 

 E-Mail    Bernadette.doran@agriculture.gov.ie                                          

  

Definitions 


For the purpose of this scheme:- 

“the Minister” shall mean the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. 

“the Department” shall mean the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and 

Food. 

“ horticulture” means that branch of agriculture that relates to the cultivation of 

plants used for food or for the production of food or ornament, including the 

technical procedures necessary for the cultivation, production and preparation for 

market of -    

                                             (a) fruit,  

(b) vegetables, (excluding potatoes and seed 

potatoes), 

(c) herbs,  

(d) edible fungi, 

(e) nuts,  

(f) cut flowers 

(g) decorative foliage  

(h) hops 

(i) sports turf, 

(k) honey, 

(l) pot plants, bedding plants and herbaceous plants  

(m) nursery stock and Christmas trees), 

(n) fruit trees, fruit bushes and fruit plants.

  

“investment” means an investment in a commercial horticultural enterprise. 


CONDITIONS FOR GRANT AID UNDER THE SCHEME OF INVESTMENT 

AID FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE 

SECTOR 

SPECIFIC CONDITIONS 

1.     Applications 

• Applications should be made on an official application form. Sections 

1–11 of the application form should be completed by the applicant who 

should then arrange to have Section 12 completed by Teagasc or an 

approved Adviser. 

•  The required supporting documentation e.g. business plan, latest set of 

accounts and up-to-date and fully descriptive quotations showing net 

cost should accompany the application which must be returned to the 

address as listed on page 2 not later than Friday 19th  February 2010                                       

All quotations submitted must be original and fully descriptive. They 

should be in printed format and on company headed paper. 

• Only fully completed applications with all supporting documentation 

will be accepted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and 

Food.  Incomplete applications will not be considered for grant aid. 

• Applications may be submitted by individual applicants or on behalf of 

groups and other legal entities. In cases of joint or group enterprises, one 

person should be nominated to apply on behalf of the enterprise.  In such 

cases at least one member of the enterprise must meet the eligibility 

requirements.   

•  Applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary skill and    

competence for the running of the business.  In the case of group or joint 

enterprises, at least one member of the enterprise will be required to 

demonstrate that they have the necessary skill and competence. 


 2.         Eligible investments 

The scheme will be confined to new investments only. 

Applicants must declare where any relationship exists between the applicant 

and the quoting company / supplier.  The nature of this relationship must be 

declared fully on both application and claim for payment forms. 


3. Commencement of Work 

Work on a project must not commence until after the issue of letter of 

approval by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food following 

the receipt of the fully completed application, otherwise the application will be 

rendered ineligible for consideration. 

Items invoiced or delivered, purchased or payments made before issue of 

approval letter by the Department, are not eligible for grant aid. Where work 

commenced before the approval date, grant aid will not be paid. 

The following preparatory measures will not be deemed to constitute 

commencement of work and may be undertaken whenever appropriate: 

Administrative procedures aimed at obtaining planning permission, planning 

work specifically carried out by for instance, an architect, preparatory studies, 

site clearance and fencing. 

   

4.  Viability 

The horticultural enterprise must be shown to be viable on a commercial scale. 

To enable viability to be assessed, investment proposals must be supported by a 

satisfactory business plan covering a minimum of two years and the most recent 

set of accounts. Applications must contain a comprehensive profile of the 

current and proposed enterprises, outlets, employment etc. Each project will be 

assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the business plan, the 

latest set of accounts and the project profile submitted with the application.  


5. Resale of approved equipment 

Applicants will be required to keep in their ownership /possession, for a period 

of 5 years, such items in respect of which grant aid has been paid.  

These items must be used for horticultural purposes only. 

All items grant aided must be held within the State. 



6.       Financing of approved items 

Leasing agreements will be limited to a period of 4 years and hire purchase 

agreements will not be allowed. 


  7.       Proofs of Payment of relevant invoices   

It will be a requirement for all applicants to submit proofs of payment that are 

acceptable to the Minister. These proofs will consist of original bank 

statements and copies of encashed cheques. Alternatively, on line bank 

statements (only high quality colour printouts with bank logo) with copies of 

encashed cheques will be acceptable or if payment is made by direct credit 

transfer an original bank statement or on-line bank statement listing payments to 

the supplier must be submitted. 

Amounts listed on bank statements must be clearly linked to the relevant 

item on which grant aid is claimed. 

   

  8. Scale of Investments 

The minimum investment which will be considered for grant aid is €10,000,   

except in the case of beekeeping for which a minimum investment of €2,000  

will apply. The upper cumulative limit for investments per applicant over the 

period of the scheme 2007-2013 is €5m. Aid for each investment will be 

decided on the availability of funds and on the ongoing priorities for each sector 

within the industry as well as the quality and scale of the proposals. In some 

cases  only part of an investment may be approved for aid. 


   9. Rate of Grant 

Aid will be payable at the maximum rate of 40% (at a maximum rate of 50% in 

the case of young farmers) on the accepted net cost of investments approved 

and completed to the satisfaction of the Minister. The amount on which the 

grant is calculated will, however, not exceed the actual net expenditure 

incurred, (excl. VAT, discounts and allowances), and paid for by the applicant.   

To qualify for the higher rate of grant aid on the basis of being a young farmer, 

the applicant will have to be under 35 years of age on the date of receipt of a 

valid application by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.  

Such applicant’s must submit an original birth certificate with their 

application.   

To qualify for payment of grant aid at the 50% rate an applicant will have 

to be in a position to demonstrate, by the date of application for payment of 

aid, that they are in control of financial management of the grant aided 

enterprise. 


 7 

In the case of applications made by people operating in partnership or 

where more than one person has joint interest in the business the higher 

rate of aid will only be payable where all parties are under 35 years on the 

date of receipt of valid application. 

A company or corporate body will not qualify for the higher rate. 


10.  Limitations 

• Only new materials and/or new specialised horticultural plant/equipment 

will be grant aided. Aid will not be paid for secondhand equipment, 

materials or replacements, except in very exceptional circumstances to 

be determined by the Minister. 

• Aid will not be paid for repair and maintenance. 

• No aid will be paid for projects which commence before issue of letter 

of approval  by the Department.   

• In the case of investments for buildings, the applicant must show details 

of ownership of the site or it’s long-term lease (5 years from 1st January 

2010) 

• Projects which aim to increase production for which no sales outlets can 

be found will not be grant aided. 


11.        Aid from Other Sources 

  If any contribution towards the cost of approved works has been or may be 

made from public funds, otherwise than under this scheme, the amount of aid 

under the scheme may, where the Minister so determines, be reduced 

accordingly. 

          Investment in mushroom enterprises which are eligible for consideration 

for aid under the EU Producers Organisation Scheme will not be grant 

aided under this Scheme 


             An applicant must notify the Department if Business Expansion Scheme    

           or Seed Capital  Scheme investments have been raised and also declare the  

           amount raised.  Where funds have been raised grant aid will be reduced   

           by 20% in the case of applicants in assisted  areas and by 50% in non  

           assisted regions. 


12 Competitiveness of Applications  

Projects will be assessed for aid on a priority basis and the fact that a project is  

aided does not create entitlement for similar projects in this or any future round 

of the scheme. Priorities may change with time or circumstances. 


13. Completion of Investments/ Deadline for submission of claim for payment 

Approved investments must be completed and a claim for grant aid made within 

the period stipulated by the Minister. 

Fully completed claims for payment should be submitted as soon as 

possible but must be received in the Department not later than  

15th October 2010 unless otherwise agreed. Claims for payment 

will be accepted prior to this date.  


14. Legal Provisions, Consents, etc. 

All applicants must undertake to comply with all National and EU Community 

standards in respect of the investments approved under the scheme. 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all works shall be carried out in 

accordance with the provisions of all relevant statutes, regulations, byelaws and 

duty of care.  

The onus of obtaining all consents, permissions, etc. including planning 

permission, consent to entry on, or interference with, land, other property or 

right of any other persons, rests on the applicant. 

It will be a requirement for an applicant, where as a producer in the food chain, 

to register with this Department under EU Regulations, ie Regulation (EC) No 

852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the hygiene of 

foodstuffs.  

Payment of grant aid is subject to compliance with statutory requirements in 

relation to the pay and working conditions of employees. 

Payment of grant aid by the Minister should not be taken as evidence of 

compliance with the above legal provisions, consents, etc.  


 15. Contractors Tax Clearance Requirements 

 In conformity with general practice the payment of financial aid as provided for 

in this scheme is subject to the condition that, where a contractor is employed to 

carry out construction work, that contractor must have a current C2 certificate 

or tax clearance certificate from the Revenue Commissioners. 

 In the case of a non-resident contractor a general tax clearance certificate will 

be required. This provision applies whether or not the non-resident contractor 

has a registered office in this country. 


16. Payment of Tax by Applicant 

In the case of grant awards in excess of €10,000 the applicant must submit a 

current Tax Clearance Certificate. This certificate should be submitted as 

soon as possible but not later than the date of application for payment of 

grant aid. 


General Conditions 


17. Unsuccessful Projects 

Where eligible projects have not been approved for grant aid and have not  

commenced, applicants may re-apply for consideration in the next round of    

applications under the scheme subject to terms and conditions of the scheme at   

that time. 


18.    Information 

 Applicants must provide any information required by the Minister for the  

 administration, control, monitoring and evaluation of the scheme. 


19. Justification for Granting Aid 

Aid for investment will at all times be subject to the condition that, in the 

opinion of the Minister the investment is justified. However, the approval for, or 

payment of aid, does not imply any endorsement by the Minister of a project’s 

safety, technical feasibility and/or economic viability. 


 20. Right of Entry 

The Minister reserves the right to arrange for an inspection at all reasonable 

times of any land, premises, plant, equipment and records of participants or 

applicants for participation in this scheme. 

The applicant or a person nominated by the applicant must make himself or 

herself available to the Department Inspector in order to carry out the necessary 

inspections.  


21.    Responsibility of Applicant 

The approval or payment of aid under the scheme does not imply the acceptance 

by the Minister of any responsibility as regards the stability of any structure, or 

the soundness of any materials used or adequacy for its purposes of any 

investment, which is the subject of such approval or payment. This is the 

applicant’s responsibility in the first instance and the onus is on him/her to 

comply with current requirements as regards Health and Safety. 

The Minister may require certification of quality of work and design. 


22.    Protection of the Environment 

To ensure protection of the environment, applicants: 

• Must agree to farm in accordance with the criteria for Good Agricultural and 

Environmental Condition (GAEC).  They must also participate in the 

appropriate Bord Bia Quality Programmes or recognised equivalent, 

including the environment and hygiene standards set out therein. 

• May be required to make investments or to carry out additional requirements 

over and above that covered in their initial applications e.g. investment in 

hygiene or pollution control.  Such additional works will not be grant aided. 

• May, without prejudice to paras. 17 & 19 be refused grant aid where the 

Minister is of the opinion that the works proposed to be carried out would 

cause damage to the environment – in particular to environmentally sensitive 

areas or to a structure or area of historical or archaeological importance. 

  

 23. False Statements 

Without prejudice to penalties applicable under national law, if, for the purposes 

of obtaining aid under this scheme, a person knowingly makes a false statement 

or withholds essential information, all or such portion of the aid given or to be 

given as the Minister may determine shall be reimbursed or withheld. The 

Minister reserves the right to exclude such a person from further participation in 

the scheme for such a period as she/he shall determine. 

  

 24. Withdrawal of Aid 

 The Minister may withdraw approval of aid if the applicant fails to abide by the 

conditions of the scheme. In such event all or such portion of aid given or to be 

given shall be reimbursed or withheld as the Minister may determine. 


25. Recovery of Aid 

The Minister reserves the right to recover any grant aid paid where the 

investment aided does not continue to be used for horticultural purposes for a 

period of at least 5 years,  



26. Review of Financial Aids 

The Minister reserves the right to vary, where occasion so demands, the amount 

of financial aid specified in the scheme subject at all times to the provision of 

any relevant European Union legislation. 


27. Procedures 

 The Minister shall lay down the procedures to be followed in the operation of  

 this scheme and reserves the right to alter these procedures from time to time. 


28. Conditions of Approval 

 Every approval of development works and purchases under this scheme shall be 

subject to all conditions laid down by the Minister being complied with in full 

by the applicant. 

  

29. Charges for Visits and Services 

 The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food reserves the right to impose 

a charge for visits made, and services provided, by its officials in connection 

with the scheme.   


30. Decision of the Minister 

 The decision of the Minister on any matter relating to this scheme or to any  

 works there under shall be final. 


31. Additional Conditions 

 The Minister may at any time lay down additional conditions for the           

implementation of this scheme. 


'

1 Aug 2010

Horticulture & Fresh Produce News - Smith to head Food Harvest 2020 Implementation Group - www.HortiTrends.com

Smith to head Food Harvest 2020 Implementation Group

Speaking at the official opening of the Virginia Agricultural Show in County Cavan on Saturday 31 July, Brendan Smith TD, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food again re-enforced the importance of the Food Harvest 2020report as the key to growing the value of the agri-food, fisheries and forestry sector by a third over the coming decade and increasing exports to €12 billion.

Underlying the priority with which the Government considers the report, the Minister said that he would be personally heading the implementation group to ensure that the ambitious targets in Food Harvest 2020 can be met in the shortest possible time. "I want to emphasise my personal commitment and that of the Government to the achievement of these ambitious but realisable growth targets" the Minister said.  "For the dairy sector which is so central to the Virginia Show, this plan targets a 50% increase in output.  This would enhance the value of primary output by €700 million, as well as downstream benefits in the form of increased dairy products values, export earnings and employment" the Minister added.

The Minister also complimented the high standard of Holstein/Friesian cows in the Baileys Champion cow competition, now in its 27th year. "The continued loyal sponsorship of both Baileys and Glanbia Ingredients, Virginia, has elevated this competition to one highly regarded by breeders around the country.  It is one of Ireland's most prestigious dairy livestock events" he said, "and the kind of quality that is being rewarded here today represents the brightest future of an industry that has enormous potential for expansion and development".

The Minister also drew attention to the very positive brand image that Irish dairy products have worldwide, and the tremendous potential to capitalise on that image, particularly in Asian markets where economic expansion and increasing levels of disposable income were leading to increased demand for dairy and other food products.

"Irish food and beverage exports to Asian Markets were valued at €279 million in 2009," he said, "and there is tremendous potential for developing and expanding those markets, with consequent benefits for employment in Ireland.  In that context, it is essential that Irish food business operators take a strategic approach to developing Asian markets. They can be assured that in doing so, they will have the full support of my Department and its agencies, which will continue to be pro-active in building the kind of relationships that are critical to doing business in those countries. The road map of development as set out in Food Harvest 2020 will be a crucial factor in this process".    

Complimenting the decision of the organisers of the show to move it to a Saturday this year, Minister Smith noted that the show attracts exhibitors from every county in Ireland and from further a-field to compete in over 450 classes on the day.  This show not only boasts some of Irelands finest livestock, but also has a wide selection of competitions for garden produce, home cooking, arts and crafts which attract a high standard of entry from competitors both young and old.

Minister Smith welcomed the generous local sponsorship provided by a host of loyal sponsors. The Minister also said "Virginia show has grown to become one of the largest shows in the country. This is due to the hard work of the local organising committee under the President Ned Duffy. The organisers have shown great initiative and enterprise again this year in the quality of the programme for the day".

In conclusion, Minister Smith took the opportunity of wishing the organizing committee, the exhibitors, the sponsors, the many visitors, and indeed everybody involved with the Virginia show an enjoyable day out.

'

30 Jul 2010

Horticulture & Fresh Produce News Ireland - Movers & Shakers | August 2010 from Fruitnet -www.HortiTrends.com

Movers & Shakers | August 2010

Full round-up of all the latest major appointments and departures within the European fresh produce industry over the past month

Coop Trading's Svend Aage Kristensen, familiar to many in the trade as one of its most skilled and popular buyers, will retire at the end of August after a distinguished career spanning almost five decades, during which time he worked mostly as a fresh produce buyer for the Nordic consumer cooperatives.

Spanish interprofessional citrus body Intercitrus has electedJuan Vicente Safont as its new president at the group’s annual assembly in Valencia. Mr Safont, who is also president of leading Spanish fresh produce group Anecoop, replacesJorge García of Castellon-based exporter García Ballester.

Seald Sweet International’s chief financial officer Vitor Figueiredo will take over as managing director of Univeg’s Portuguese operations later this year, the group has said.

The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has announced thatAdrian Barlow was elected to the position of vice-president of the FPC Council at the group’s recent annual general meeting. FPC president Jim Rogers has been re-elected for a further year.

Dutch marketing group Fruit Vegetables Agency Holland has appointed Fred van Heyningen, CEO of Rabobank Westland, to its board. He will be responsible for strategic development and improving professionalism in the Dutch produce sector.

Paolo Bruni, president of EU farming cooperatives association Copa, Italian marketing group CSO and Italian fresh produce group Apo Conerpo, has been accepted as a member of the Brotherhood of the Magnificent Onion.

The Oppenheimer Group has appointed long-standing company member Nolan Quinn to lead its berry category in the new role of berry category director.

'
22 Jul 2010

Horticulture & Fresh Produce News - Horticulture Ireland in the 2020 Food Harvest - www.HortiTrends.com

4.4 Horticulture

The horticulture and potato sector contributed approximately €370 million to farm output in 2009. The sector makes an important economic contribution and generates significant ancillary employment in areas such as preparing, packing produce, distribution, retail, garden design & landscaping.

The domestic retail and food service markets are the most important markets for Irish fresh horticulture produce. However, mushrooms destined for the UK market represent a major export with a value in excess of €100million. Amenity products which comprise 20% of total production, are focused to a large extent on the domestic market. The main exports are Christmas trees, nursery stock & cut foliage.

The sector faces competitive pressures, particularly due to high input costs, notably energy, competitively priced imports, lack of scale and limited development in innovation.

Notwithstanding this, the sector has potential for further development. The food service market offers opportunities to replace imported product with home grown seasonal produce, to supply into the organic market and to diversify to meet ethnic food demands. Bord Bia’s recent review of the amenity sector identified the need to innovate, to develop new products and services and markets. It was considered that the best way to do this was through a coordinated approach where businesses, both large and small would combine resources to exploit new opportunities.

Horticulture has been transformed in the past decade by technological advances. Technology and advances in plant genetic research offer new products, new production methods and new approaches to the market. Maximising this potential requires a greater integration between state agencies, research institutes and industry. Existing development progammes and schemes should be looked at, and restructured, if necessary, to assist the commercialisation and adoption of new developments in horticultural technology, with the objective of facilitating and assisting entrepreneurs take advantage of the opportunities arising from emerging technology and the intellectual property associated with it.

 

 

Recommendations

As with all the sectoral analyses, the recommendations to realise the potential of the horticulture sector should be considered in tandem with the general farm and industry level recommendations set out in Section 3.

Restoring Competitiveness

 DAFF should encourage greater participation in the development of producer organisations to facilitate greater bargaining power in the marketplace and to encourage the adoption of new technologies and best practice at sub-sectoral level.

 The industry must continually adapt its production methods both to minimise environmental effects and to benefit from adopting green technologies

 Relevant state agencies should foster product and production innovation, the adoption of emerging technologies and plant breeding.

 Processors should invest in specialised plant and equipment to improve labour productivity, working conditions and the quality of output.

 DAFF should review funding under the Horticultural NDP with a view to maximising the uptake of green technology, including water recycling, energy from waste and innovation based on plant production.

 The relevant Departments should review existing programmes and supports in relation to the horticulture sector, and should identify any changes in legislation or in the scope and type of measures required to develop the industry and associated businesses.

Branding and Marketing Issues

 DAFF and the relevant State agencies should further promote the health benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle.

 Bord Bia should identify opportunities in relation to new products, e.g. herbs, indoor fruit production, mini potatoes, ornamentals and develop consumer awareness of domestic varieties.

 Bord Bia-led market research should explore the opportunities for production of non- traditional fruit and vegetables.

 

22 Jul 2010

Horticulture & Fresh Produce News - Minister Smith Launches Innovation Funding for Food Industry - www.HortiTrends.com

 

Minister Smith Launches Innovation Funding for Food Industry

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith TD today announced details of innovation funding for small Irish companies in the food industry. Innovation Vouchers worth €5,000 each are available to all small companies in the food sector over the next 6 weeks. The deadline for applications is 20th August 2010.

Making the announcement Minister Smith said: "Innovation Vouchers are the push that many small Irish food companies need to explore how innovation can change their business for the better, be it through new product development or the improvement of existing processes".

"The success of the vouchers to date is due to the simplicity of the initiative.  Participating companies get excellent value for money from the research teams working in the forty institutes providing their expertise and knowledge, both in Ireland and in Northern Ireland.  I encourage small companies in the Irish food industry to see how a little knowledge can make a huge difference to your bottom line and to make an application for a €5,000 Innovation-Voucher today" he concluded.

Enterprise Ireland manage the Innovation Voucher initiative which offers small companies €5,000 to obtain an innovative solution to a technical or business challenge from a Higher Education Institute in Ireland or Northern Ireland, known as 'knowledge providers'.

Companies in the following sectors can apply:

  • Beverages, bakery and food technology including animal feed producers,
  • Consumer food companies including those involved in horticulture, organic produce, poultry, prepared consumer foods and seafood,
  • Dairy and functional foods and the primary meat sectors including those involved in the processing of beef, lamb and pigmeat, the by-products of all meat processing and those involved in the bloodstock industry.

Welcoming the announcement, the Minister for Science, Technology & Innovation Conor Lenihan T.D said: "The Innovation Vouchers initiative has been up and running since 2007 and through funding provided by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Innovation has already helped over 1,000 small companies in Ireland to find a research partner who can solve some of their business challenges. The decision by my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to provide funding for a call for proposals dedicated to the food sector is most welcome".

You can apply for an Innovation Voucher and get more details on this Enterprise Ireland managed initiative onwww.innovationvouchers.ie or by contacting Pat O'Brien, Enterprise Ireland on +353 1 7272766.

 

18 Jul 2010

Fresh Produce News Ireland - World Fruit & Vegetable Show 2010 - www.HortiTrends.com

 

World Fruit & Vegetable Show 2010

                           
ExCeL London 27th and 28th October 2010.


The World Fruit & Vegetable Show is an international trade exhibition, targeted at a very specific sector of the market, which is focused on the fruit, vegetable and flower industry. However, it is not just for buyers, producers and exporters of produce, it is also for any associated product or industry, such as packaging, labelling or transportation.

The number of exhibitors and visitors grew last year, despite the poor trading environment due to the world recession. Most importantly, both exhibitors and visitors found new and useful business contacts, which later developed into actual orders and trade.

 

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