Speaking at the event the Minister said: “I greatly appreciate the invitation to be part of this conference for the benefit of mushroom growers in Ireland. This joined up approach by the industry is a very positive step in terms of sharing experiences and taking the mushroom sector forward.”
The Minister added: “I know mushroom producers and others within the sector have faced very challenging times due to currency fluctuations and increasing production costs. The very direct message coming from this conference today – ‘Survive and Thrive’ shows the drive and determination within the mushroom sector in Ireland to face these challenges head on and move forward.
“My Department will continue to support the local industry through the implementation our Rural Development Plan 2007 – 2013, the EU Fresh fruit and Vegetables Scheme and the training, education and technology transfer provision delivered through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise.”
The Minister enjoyed a guided tour of the Trade Show associated with the conference. The Trade Show highlighted the latest in equipment, renewable energy, packaging and growing facilities. Poster abstracts detailing the most up to date research being undertaken by the Agri-food and Bioscience Institute and Teagasc for the benefit of the mushroom industry were also displayed.
Notes to Editors:
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