The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., today outlined the support for the training and continued professional development of agricultural consultants that has been provided in this year’s Budget.

The Minister stated “I was delighted to secure funding for a number of new supports for farmers in this year’s budget.  As my Department rolls out these exciting new  initiatives such as the Programme of Farmer Training on Health and Safety, Agri-Environment Measures such as Biodiversity training for farmers and on-farm Biodiversity studies,  the  National Soil Sampling Programme, a new results-based Pilot project and new supports for the tillage sector, I  expect that the provision of high quality professional advice will have a key role to play. Similarly, as we prepare for the introduction of a new Common Agricultural Policy to help the sector respond to environmental and economic and social challenges, providing agricultural consultants with the most up to date information available will be a central element of our approach.”

The Minister confirmed that his Department will shortly be consulting with the relevant stakeholders regarding of the design and delivery of the training.

ENDS

Date Released: 17 October 2020