The event, organised by the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), is aimed at highlighting the opportunities in aquaculture and discussing the ways in which the main obstacles to achieving the industry’s potential can be overcome. A range of speakers and an open forum discussion will be held.
IFA Aquaculture Executive Secretary, Richie Flynn, announcing the event, said, "Irish aquaculture was born during the last recession as a logical and successful response to the need to grow jobs and exports in our coastal areas.
"Today’s crisis may be greater that the one we faced in the 1980s but the aquaculture industry is equally in a key strategic position with sound fundamental economics behind it to make a huge contribution to the national effort to work our way out of the current problems. Jobs and exports must now take priority over bureaucracy and prevarication – it’s time to act and this event will focus everyone’s minds on how that should be achieved."
Speakers include IFA president, Padraig Walshe and a range of experts on the economic issues affecting aquaculture, including markets, environmental and regulatory. Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries, Mr Tony Killeen TD has been invited to participate in the event.
The Irish Shellfish Association AGM will be held directly after the event while the National Biotoxin Workshop will take place in the same venue on the following day, Friday 20th March.
Farmers Meet: Force of Fish in Financial Crisis
IRELAND - A major conference is being held at the Kenmare Bay Hotel today, highlighting the massive contribution aquaculture can make during the difficult economic times the country is facing.
