Examining a field of a field of miscanthus are (L to R) Mairead McGuinness, MEP, conference chairperson, Prof Jimmy Burke, Teagasc, conference speaker, James Fitzgerald, ASA President and David Birmingham, FBD, main conference sponsors. |
| The conference, which is being run by the Agricultural Science Association (ASA), the representative body for professionals working in all aspects of the agriculture and food industry, will assess the potential of renewable energy crops to become the new ‘cash cow’ for Irish farmers. ASA President, James Fitzgerald, announced that the leading scientists from Ireland and Europe as well as policy specialists and business experts will address the conference on this highly topical subject.
“Energy and fuel crops, such as miscanthus, willow and oilseed rape, and animal by-products and organic waste offer solutions to declining fossil fuel supplies. The conference will explore the financial viability of and prospects for these new sources of energy at farm level,” said James Fitzgerald.
The event, which has become the high point in the annual conference calendar, will be officially opened by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mary Coughlan. The keynote address will be given by by Tom Moran, Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture and Food, who will outline the national strategy for the agri-food sector from now to 2013.
“In the wake of the collapse of the WTO talks and in advance of the publication of a new National Development Plan, Mr Moran’s views will be of great interest to everyone involved in agriculture and food,” said James Fitzgerald.
The conference takes place in the Radisson Hotel, Sligo on Friday, 8 September, starting at 10am. Places can be reserved by contacting the ASA at 01 4603682, E mail: secretary@asaireland.ie
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