Gildernew encourages rural women to get down to business
Monday, 28 September 2009Michelle Gildernew MP MLA today emphasised the contribution rural business women make to the local economy, during a visit to Orchard Acre Farm, County Fermanagh.
Teresa O’Hare established her organic farm business in 2001. Orchard Acre Farm has since developed to include self catering accommodation and an Eco-Barn with demonstration facilities that allow Teresa to provide courses on organic farming, cookery and traditional arts and crafts.
Over the years Teresa has received a number of awards and was recently awarded the title of, ‘Inspirational Business Woman 2009’ by the Network for Enterprising Women, sponsored by Invest NI.
Congratulating Teresa on her success, Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew said: “Women in rural areas often have to travel further in order to access well paid and flexible employment. However many have devised innovative solutions in order to overcome the challenges that they face. Women like Teresa have set-up small rural businesses because it gives them greater freedom to combine work with other commitments.”
Teresa’s motivation in developing the business was to create an income for herself that was farm based, utilised her personal strengths and allowed her to continue to spend time with her children. Now that her children are older and at school full-time, Teresa has been able to expand the business, developing the Eco-Barn, selling organic produce at the farmers market in Enniskillen and supplying fruit to a local ice-cream maker, Tickety-Moo.
Minister Gildernew concluded: "Small businesses are the foundations of the rural economy as they drive job growth, support local supply chains and utilise niche markets. Women who own their own business take pride in their work, and in many cases, small businesses are known for providing their customers with a personalised and high-quality service. Not only do small businesses help women and their families, they can also help to stabilise a struggling economy.
"There is still a vast amount of untapped potential in rural areas. I would encourage any would-be female entrepreneurs to transform their business ideas into reality and to make the most of opportunities that exist through initiatives such as the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013."
Notes to Editors:
1. Orchard Acre Farm received funding from Leader+ (£6,000) and INTERREG IIIA (2000-2006) via the Green Box capital development project. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs provided a total INTERREG grant of €145,273 towards the construction costs of the Eco-Barn which was completed during 2008.
2. Teresa and the business have received the following awards:
· ‘Inspirational Business Woman 2009’ – Awarded by the Network for Enterprising Women and sponsored by Invest NI. (April 2009)
· ‘NI Sustainable Building Award’ – for the Eco-Barn, awarded by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Royal Town Planning Association and sponsored by NI Planning Service. (March 2009)
· ‘Green Buildings Award for Ireland’ – Through the Green Box project. Orchard Acre were runners up.
3. 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.
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