Gildernew congratulates farm diversifiers

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has congratulated the winners in the 2010 JFC Innovation Awards.

Speaking about this year’s award winners the Minister said: “The range of ideas, enthusiasm, pride and positivity shown by the finalists convinces, me more than ever, of the important contribution this competition makes to fostering innovation in rural areas. This competition is all about encouraging and providing tangible support for innovation in the countryside.”

She added: “With a budget of £543million, the north’s Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 represents one of the largest ever investments in rural communities. Axis 3 alone will see £100million invested in local development strategies to improve the quality of life in rural areas. This will be achieved by supporting a wide range of projects which include diversification, business creation, tourism, basic services for rural communities, village renewal, conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage.

“I wish to congratulate all of this year’s winners who are an inspiration to the farming community across Ireland. I hope their success will encourage others to turn their farm diversification ideas into reality.”

The Minister congratulated the overall winners: Patrick and Peter Farrelly of Willows, from Co. Meath; the four category winners; Tom O’Brien, Eggs Direct, Co Cork; Roger Fahy, Vending Milk, Co Clare; Timmy Fleming, Ring of Kerry Quality Lamb, Co Kerry and Robert Goligher, Chapel of Rest Pet Crematorium, Co Derry and all 13 finalists. The finalists included two other entries from the North – Catherine Harris, Natural Balance Food Company, Co Armagh: William Allingham, Allingham Quadcrates, Co Fermanagh.

Notes to editors:

1. The competition is jointly sponsored by DARD and Teagasc, in association with JFC Manufacturing and the Irish Farmers Journal.
2. The overall prize fund for the competition is €49,000. This includes cash prizes of €13,000 provided by JFC Manufacturing, advertising in the Irish Farmers Journal valued at €13,000 and mentoring and business support provided by DARD and Teagasc valued at €13,000.
3. The competition attracted 61 entries – 10 from the north and 51 from the south of Ireland.
4. Further information about the finalists is available on the DARD website.
5. All media queries should be directed to the DARD Press office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.