PRESS RELEASE
Monday, 28 November 2022
SUCCESS OF EIP-AGRI PROJECTS HIGHLIGHTED AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE
A national conference held in Athlone today (28 November) brought together farmers, researchers, farm advisers and policymakers to discuss successful innovative approaches towards agri-environmental protection and sustainability of farms through EIP-AGRI’s locally-led and farmer-centred approach. The conference, which was hosted by the National Rural Network (NRN) on behalf of the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, also explored the numerous lessons learned to date over the course of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020, which has been extended to 2022.
As well as hearing about the ‘on-the-ground’ experiences of featured EIP-AGRI Projects, a representative from the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine explained where EIP-AGRI sits within the new CAP Strategic Plan (2023-2027). Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, opened the event, and several EIP –AGRI Operational groups showcased their work.
The EIP-AGRI initiative was set up by the European Commission to promote innovation and foster sustainable growth within the agri-food sector and rural economy through a multi-actor approach involving farmers, researchers, advisors, and agri-businesses. In Ireland, 57 EIP-AGRI Operational Groups Projects have now been funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Seamus Boland with the National Rural Network said, “This conference was an excellent networking opportunity for existing EIP-AGRI Operational Groups to share their experience and key lessons learned while also creating a space for participants to form partnerships around future projects.”
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For more information or to arrange an interview, contact James Claffey at the National Rural Network on 087 281 9741.
About the NRN
The NRN is a membership network for anyone interested in rural development. It provides up-to-date information, case studies, seminars, and conferences to maximise the beneficial outcomes of 'Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 for rural stakeholders. The NRN, which is contracted under the EU co-funded Rural Development Programme, is managed by a consortium led by Irish Rural Link in partnership with The Wheel, NUI Galway, and Philip Farrelly & Co. For more information see www.nationalruralnetwork.ie or follow the NRN on Twitter .
The NRN is a membership network for anyone interested in rural development. It provides up-to-date information, case studies, seminars, and conferences to maximise the beneficial outcomes of 'Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 for rural stakeholders. The NRN, which is contracted under the EU co-funded Rural Development Programme, is managed by a consortium led by Irish Rural Link in partnership with The Wheel, NUI Galway, and Philip Farrelly & Co. For more information see www.nationalruralnetwork.ie or follow the NRN on Twitter .
