Gildernew attends Farm Diversification Conference

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA welcomed a large turnout of farmers and farm family members to the recent farm diversification conference at Loughry Campus, CAFRE, Cookstown.

The conference organised by DARD, focused on providing business opportunities for diversified farmers and farm family members. Delegates heard from an excellent line up of speakers with a wealth of business experience.

Opening the Conference, the Minister said: "I am encouraged to see so many farmers seeking to develop new diversification business ventures alongside their existing farm businesses. Farmers should take the opportunity to avail of the support available through CAFRE and the Rural Development Programme, and I wish them success with their ventures.

"This conference is a wonderful opportunity to meet up with others, make new business contacts, exchange information on common issues and learn from each other. It is more important than ever that farming families continue to develop new skills and put them to good use. My message is, stay positive, be adaptable and take advantage of opportunities to develop your business."

Farmers and members of farm families who are planning and establishing new rural enterprises are encouraged to complete CAFRE’s Diversification Challenge programme. This programme is delivered at a range of venues across the north of Ireland and provides participants with a unique opportunity to acquire new skills and apply them to develop their business.

Notes to editors:

1. More information on DARD support for Farm Diversification and the CAFRE Diversification Challenge programme can be found on the DARD website.

2. Speakers at the Farm Diversification Conference, which at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)'s Loughry Campus were:

• James O’Boyle, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE);
• Will McKee, Linkubator;
• Dawson Stelfox, Consarc Design Group;
• Robert Cully, Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB);
• Philip Wilson, Internet Sense;
• Helen McKenna, Clarity Business Education;
• David McConkey, Tardree Stone;
• Gareth Evans, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

3. All media queries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4243. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.