Press Releases 2006

2009200820072006JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

Title	Date

January

Title	Date
Record payments under REPS in 2005	06 January 2006
Minister Coughlan calls for continued vigilance on Avian Influenza	10 January 2006
New arrangements for the export of slaughter pigs to Northern Ireland	12 January 2006
Call for Proposals for the development and promotion of Sustainable Forestry	16 January 2006
Nitrates: Coughlan says REPS farmers will not need amended planes, but must follow the regulations	16 January 2006
Minister Coughlan announces details of Group to assist pig producers in Donegal	16 January 2006
Minister Smith acknowledges contribution of Centra Foodstores to Irish Food Sector	16 January 2006
Minister Coughlan highlights potential for local enterprises under Community Enterprises Centre Scheme - 2006	19 January 2006
Minister Browne reminds occupiers and owners of land of their obligation to control noxious weeds	23 January 2006
Coughlan welcomes dramatic improvements in brucellosis levels in 2005	25 January 2006
Minister Smith welcomes Musgrave SuperValu-Centra support for Irish Food Industry	26 January 2006
Coughlan welcomes positive response to Land Purchase Annuity Discounted Buy-Out Scheme	26 January 2006
Browne addresses IFCA Annual Dinner	28 January 2006
Worrying of Livestock by Dogs - Minister Browne issues advice to dog owners	30 January 2006

February

Title	Date
Minister Coughlan clarifies position on REPS and Nitrates Regulations	01 February 2006
Minister Smith launches Programme of Seasonal Food Market Events in OPW Heritage Sites	07 February 2006
Coughlan announces award of €4.5 million in R&D grants	07 February 2006
Coughlan awards €6.7million to Food Research Projects and announces funds for new call	08 February 2006
Minister of State Browne addresses Coillte Annual Management Conference	09 February 2006
Minister Browne launches Booklet on Re-skilling for Farm Families in Wexford	09 February 2006
Minister Coughlan meets Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels	09 February 2006
French Market Worth €500m to Irish Food and Drink Sector and Growing - Smith	12 February 2006
Browne welcomes Consultants Report on Forestry Tax Exemption Measures	10 February 2006
Minister Coughlan reassures on Avian `Flu	13 February 2006
Minister extends closing date for receipt of submissions on GM Coexistence Report	14 February 2006
Coughlan welcomes appointment of Mary Wallace as Minister opf State for the Department of Agriculture and Food	14 February 2006
Minister Coughlan announces arrangement for transfer of Single Payment Entitlements (including Trade for 2006)	15 February 2006
Minister of State Wallace affirms committment to Forestry	16 February 2006
Minister Coughlan announces additional Avian Influenza measures	16 February 2006
Appointments to Bord Bia	17 February 2006
Minister of State Wallace urges farmers to plant forestry now	20 February 2006
Coughlan urges continued vigilance on Bird 'flu following Council of Ministers Meeting	20 February 2006
2006 Single Payment Scheme/2006 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme: Closing date for receipt of applications	22 February 2006
Avian 'Flu Expert Advisory Group meets	22 February 2006
Coughlan welcomes Revised Estimates	23 February 2006
Minister Coughlan announces €4.6 million Capital Investment Grants for the Fruit and Vegetables Sector	27 February 2006
Minister Smith announces €1.3 million Capital Investment Grants for the Fruit and Vegetables Sector in Monaghan	27 February 2006
Minister Wallace announces €380,000 in Capital Investment Grants for the Mushroom Sector in Meath	27 February 2006
Food Sector offers many opportunites for local economies says Minister Smith at South Roscommon Launch	27 February 2006

March

Title	Date
Minister Coughlan launches new Farm Waste Management Scheme	24 March 2006
Minister Coughlan announces the issue of Annual Payment Statements to farmers for 2005 and eServices available to farmers	01 March 2006
Coughlan welcomes increase in export refunds for butter	03 March 2006
Minister Wallace issues early warning about the risk of forest fire	03 March 2006
Minister Smith supports efforts to increase forestry	06 March 2006
Minister Smith supports efforts to increase forestry	06 March 2006
Avian Influenza Advisory Group meets	07 March 2006
Minister Coughlan appoints Michael Murphy to the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal	08 March 2006
Minister Coughlan welcomes Pig Plant inspection visit by Chinese Authorities	08 March 2006
Minister of State Wallace opens National Forestry Conference	10 March 2006
Minister Coughlan announces changes to Milk Quota Schemes for 2006	10 March 2006
Minister Coughlan announces plans for new Milk Quota Transfer Arrangements	12 March 2006
Coughlan hosts meeting with French Agriculture Minister in Dublin	13 March 2006
Minister announces Genotyping Initiative	15 March 2006
Minister Coughlan expressed regret at decision by Greencore to cease sugar production	15 March 2006
Coughlan announces plans for new Research Stimulus call	15 March 2006
Comprehensive Action Plan for the future of Agri-Food	22 March 2006
Minister Coughlan launches new Farm Waste Management Scheme	24 March 2006
EU Emissions Trading Scheme allocation for Kyoto committment period 2008-2012	29 March 2006
Forestry Minister welcomes "Greener Homes" Scheme	30 March 2006
Minister Smith announces €6.2million for hunger in Africa and the ''Forgotten Emergencies"	31 March 2006
Minister Coughlan welcomes Public Service Excellence Award for her Department	31 March 2006

April

Title	Date
Minister Smith announces grant aid of €6m in Captial Investment Grants for the development of the Horticulture Industry	03 April 2006
Minister announces change to BSE Depopulation Policy	05 April 2006
Minister Coughlan announces arrangements for sugar beet farmers wishing to claim force majeure or exceptional circumstances	05 April 2006
Minister responds to Avian 'Flu in Scotland	06 April 2006
Continued pro-active approach to Avian Influenza threat	07 April 2006
Expert Advisory Group considers latest developments	07 April 2006
2006 Parasitic Disease Forecast	11 April 2006
Minister Coughlan announced allocations from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve	12 April 2006
2006 Single Payment Scheme/2006 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme: Extension of Closing Date for Receipt of Applications	12 April 2006
Minister Coughlan amends Milk Quota Regulations to facilitate Family Transfers and Partnerships	13 April 2006
Minister Wallace announces Forestry Premium Payments of 41m euro for 2006	13 April 2006
Minister announces ban on Electro Immobilisation	13 April 2006
Good Progress on National Forest Inventory Project	19 April 2006
Minister Coughlan announces increase in Dairy Export Refunds	27 April 2006
Minister Coughlan on Food Business Development visit to US	30 April 2006

May

Title	Date
Minister Smith announces grant aid for Seed Potato Sector	03 May 2006
Official opening of the Teagasc National Soft Fruit Conference 2006	04 May 2006
Minister Coughlan meets US political leaders	05 May 2006
Coughlan announces on-line application for Single Payment Scheme in 2007	08 May 2006
Coughlan announces changes to Milk Quota Temporary Leasing Scheme	10 May 2006
Coughlan announces decrease in the number of farmers to be inspected under Cross-Compliance	10 May 2006
Minister Coughlan and Commissioner Fischer Boel meet prior to address to Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food in Dail Chamber	10 May 2006
Minister Coughlan relaxes rules on Bird Gatherings and Pigeon Racing	11 May 2006
Coughlan encourage Donegal Children to be 'Food Dudes'	12 May 2006
Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme 2006 - Closing Date of 15 May 2006	12 May 2006
Minister Coughlan calls for final effort to eradicate Brucellosis	15 May 2006
Coughlan welcomes proposed amendments to Nitrate Regulations	18 May 2006
Minister Wallace reminds landowners of their responsibility for the control of noxious weeds	19 May 2006
Minister Coughlan announces fast track transfer rules for REPS farmers	22 May 2006
Single Payment Scheme: Coughlan clarifies position of Early Retirement Scheme farmers who leased entitlements	22 May 2006
Minister of State Wallace announces additional funding of €1.123 Million for the further promotion and development of Sustainable Forestry	22 May 2006
Minister Wallace sets out incentives for next generation of farmers	24 May 2006
Minister of State Wallace opens Wood Fuel Supply Seminar as part of Wood Energy Week	25 May 2006
Minister Coughlan confirms pro-active approach to Avian Influenza threats	26 May 2006
Minister Coughlan welcomes the maintenance of EU Export Refunds for Butter	26 May 2006
Minister Smith attends Informal Council of Agriculture Ministers Meeting in Austria	31 May 2006

June

Title	Date
"Farmers' Markets useful outlet for 'Farm Direct' fresh produce" - Minister Smith at the official opening of the Cavan Farmers' Market	03 June 2006
Minister Coughlan launches Agriculture and Food Annual Review and Outlook 2005/2006	07 June 2006
Coughlan announces arrangements for Milk Quota Lessors	07 June 2006
Coughlan introduces Grant Scheme for emerging technologies in processing livestock manure and mushroom compost	09 June 2006
Minister Smith addresses FAO 25th Regional Conference for Europe	09 June 2006
Big future for small Food Enterprises in the North East says Minister Smith	12 June 2006
Minister Coughlan announces changes to simplify the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS)	13 June 2006
Coughlan announces 'Country of Origin' Information on Beef to be mandatory at Restaurants and all Food Service Outlets	14 June 2006
Department confirms presence of Equine Infectious Anaemia	15 June 2006
Minister Coughlan accepts Annual Report of the Audit Committee of the Department of Agriculture and Food	16 June 2006
Minister allows pigeon racing from Northern France	16 June 2006
Coughlan calls on Farm Council and EU Commission to protect Agriculture at up-coming WTO talks	19 June 2006
Mary Wallace launches COFORD publication "Brackloon - The Story of an Irish Oak Wood"	19 June 2006
Forestry - A real alternative land use for farmers	19 June 2006
Department of Agriculture and Food releases the Results of 2005 National Residue Monitoring Plan	27 June 2006
Coughlan maintains firm stance at WTO talks	29 June 2006
Coughlan announces extension to Land Annuity Buy-Out Scheme	30 June 2006
Minister Coughlan welcomes Report of Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group	01 June 2006
Minister Smith announces further awards of €2.4 million under the Capital Investment Scheme under certain agricultural products	02 June 2006

July

Title	Date
Minister of State Wallace launches Forestry Promotion Campaign	02 July 2006
Food Service Industry embracing new beef labelling rules	04 July 2006
Minister Coughlan appoints Chairman of Sheep Strategy Implementation Group	05 July 2006
Department confirms further case of Equine Infectious Anaemia	06 July 2006
Minister Smith opens new Mullingar Showgrounds	09 July 2006
Minister Coughlan launches the RDS-Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards 2006	10 July 2006
Minister Coughlan meets with David Cairns MP, recently appointed Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland	11 July 2006
Minister Coughlan Announces Government Decision on EU Sugar Restructuring Aid Allocation	12 July 2006
Farmers to receive two thirds of sugar compensation	13 July 2006
Minister Coughlan launches Kepak "Irish Hill Lamb Initiative"	13 July 2006
Minister Wallace oversees conversion of Department building in Wexford to wood energy	14 July 2006
Minister Smith launches Food Agency 2015 Group	18 July 2006
Coughlan outlines position on WTO at Council of Minister meeting in Brussels	19 July 2006
Coughlan welcomes revised Nitrates Regulations	19 July 2006
Minister Coughlan defends Department approach to Cross-Compliance as fair, reasonable and equitable	19 July 2006
Minister Wallace warns of forest fire risks	20 July 2006
Wallace moves to protect young forests from deer	21 July 2006
Minister Smith announces donation of €250,000 to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in support of Avian 'Flu control in Vietnam	21 July 2006
Department confirms additional cases of Equine Infectious Anaemia	23 July 2006
Coughlan comments on suspension of WTO talks	24 July 2006
Minister Coughlan launches Sheep Strategy Implementation Group	25 July 2006
Coughlan announces progress in consultations on Milk Quota Trading	26 July 2006
Coughlan meets Latvian Minister	26 July 2006
Minister Smith announces further grant aid of €0.5m for seed potato sector	27 July 2006
Department confirms additional cases of Equine Infectious Anaemia	27 July 2006
€300 million investment in dairy processing announced by Minister Coughlan	28 July 2006
Department confirms further case of Equine Infectious Anaemia	31 July 2006

August

Title	Date
Minister announces introduction of Revised Standard Costings for On-Farm Investment Schemes	09 August 2006
Minister announces financial package for EIA testing	09 August 2006
Minister Coughlan outlines committment to Research	10 August 2006
Minister of State Wallace praises RDS Wood-Fired Heating System	10 August 2006
Approval to use set-aside Land for Animal Feed Purposes	11 August 2006
Coughlan wants EU to insist on equivalent standards from beef imports from Third Countries	13 August 2006
Minister Smith addresses 52nd International Congress of Meat Science and Technology	14 August 2006
Minister Smith encourages farmers to participate in the Farm Waste Management Scheme	21 August 2006
Minister Coughlan announces Publication of 2005 Annual Report of the Agriculture Appeals Office	22 August 2006
Farmers have Important Role in Future of Bio-Energy - Coughlan	23 August 2006
Minister Smith presents the Bailey Cow Competition Cup at Virginia Agricultural Show, Co. Cavan	24 August 2006
Department confirms further case of Equine Infectious Anaemia	25 August 2006
Minister Coughlan launches New School Milk Scheme - Refrigeration units for 1,000 schools	30 August 2006
Minister Coughlan welcomes State Aid approval for €300 million investment package for the Irish Dairy Processing Sector	30 August 2006

September

Title	Date
Thinning of forests and sale of wood chip can increase return from forestry - Wallace	04 September 2006
Minister Smith opens the Elphin Agriculture Show in Co. Roscommon	02 September 2006
Minister Coughlan raises Income Limit for Transferees in Farm Retirement Scheme; Limit for retiring farmers abolished	05 September 2006
Minister Smith brings successful Regional Food Forum concept to the Midlands	06 September 2006
Department confirms new cases of Equine Infectious Anaemia	08 September 2006
Minister Smith launches financial package for poultry producers	11 September 2006
National Forestry Inventory moves into Meath	12 September 2006
Minister welcomes Commission response on Single Payment Scheme Advance Payments	13 September 2006
Minister Coughlan announces Details of the 2006 National Reserve and Claw Back Arrangements for the 2007 Single Payment Scheme	13 September 2006
Minister Coughlan announces detailed arrangements for the €300 million Dairy Processing Sector Investment Fund	14 September 2006
Coughlan encouraged by progress in the Organic Sector	15 September 2006
Coughlan extends REPS deadline	15 September 2006
Minister announces extension of Genotyping incentives	18 September 2006
Minister Coughlan updates Avian 'Flu regulations	18 September 2006
Minister Coughlan announces Schedule of Farm Payments	19 September 2006
Minister Coughlan announces details of Transport Regulation from January	19 September 2006
Minister Coughlan announces plans for consultation with farm bodies on Nitrates Explanatory Handbook	20 September 2006
Coughlan hosts visit of Commissioner Fischer Boel to Donegal	22 September 2006
Minister Smith promotes Irish Food at the Moscow Food Fair	25 September 2006
Minister Coughlan announces arrangements for dealing with residual aspects of discontinued Livestock Schemes	25 September 2006
Minister Coughlan welcomes opportunity for enhanced co-operation on agricultural matters between Ireland and China	25 September 2006
Department confirms new cases of Equine Infectious Anaemia	26 September 2006
Minister Coughlan announces the rate for the Sugar Beet Compensation being incorporated into the Single Payment Scheme	27 September 2006
Coughlan announces new Milk Quota Trading System	27 September 2006
Think Forestry! says Minister Wallace	28 September 2006
Minister Wallace presents National Awards for the 75th National Ploughing Championships at the Wolseley Hotel, Tullow	28 September 2006
Minister Coughlan publishes Annual Report for 2005	29 September 2006
Minister Smith promotes Farm Waste Management Scheme at the World and National Ploughing Championships	29 September 2006

October

Title	Date
Minister of State Wallace launches Forestry Promotion Campaign in Mullingar	02 October 2006
Wallace welcomes progress on Guidelines for Forestry in Pearl Mussel Habitats	03 October 2006
Arrangements for increased TSE testing in sheep	04 October 2006
Minister Smith highlights Biomass potential at conference in Cavan	05 October 2006
Extension of Closing Date for Dairy Investment Scheme	06 October 2006
Minister Wallace launches 2006 Tree Day - 'Year of the Ash'	09 October 2006
Minister Smith presented with certificate of ISO Accreditation for the livestock breeding area	09 October 2006
Minister Coughlan welcomes EU Decision on Exemption Criteria for Veterinary Medicines	11 October 2006
Minister Coughlan announces 500M euro advance payments from 16th October under the Single Payment Scheme	11 October 2006
Minister Smith announces an additional donation of 1.3m euro to the World Food Programme (WFP)	13 October 2006
Minister Wallace presents the RDS/Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards	18 October 2006
Minister Coughlan announces €6.8 billion farming package	19 October 2006
Wallace highlights the contribution of Forestry to the economy	19 October 2006
Minister Smith announces aid of €3.5 million to producer organisations for fruit and vegetables	20 October 2006
Land Purchase Annuity Discounted Buy-out Scheme	23 October 2006
New case of Equine Infectious Anaemia	26 October 2006
Minister Wallace views implementation of Thinning Protocol	27 October 2006

November

Title	Date
Minister Coughlan assists farmers to finalise their applications under the Farm Waste Management Scheme	03 November 2006
Minister Coughlan meets UK colleague	03 November 2006
Minister Smith addresses flagship event for National Organic Week	07 November 2006
Coughlan announces major initiatives on the Suckler Herd	06 November 2006
Minister Wallace urges farmers to grasp bioenergy opportunities at Biomass Conference in Dundalk	07 November 2006
Minister Coughlan announces Consultation on new 7 billion euro Rural Development Programme	08 November 2006
Coughlan announces major Capital Investment Programme for Beef and Sheepmeat Processing Sectors	08 November 2006
Minister Coughlan appoints New Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Department of Agriculture and Food	09 November 2006
Nitrates Derogation Approved	13 November 2006
Minister Coughlan increases payment rates for retired farmers participating in Early Retirement Schemes	13 November 2006
Minister Wallace delivers key note address to the IFA Farm Forestry Conference 2006	13 November 2006
Minister Wallace visits Kilmoon Cross Nurseries in Co Meath - Leading Producer of Poinsettias for the Christmas Market	14 November 2006
Meeting of 2015 Agri-vision Food Industry Committee	14 November 2006
Department issues Liver Fluke Forecast	15 November 2006
Ireland scoops major award for "Food Dude" initiative	15 November 2006
Minister Smith highlights the Importance of the Milk Quota Trading Scheme at Teagasc Dairy Conference in Cavan	16 November 2006
Abridged Estimates for Department of Agriculture and Food 2007	16 November 2006
Department confirms new case of Equine Infectious Anaemia	16 November 2006
Coughlan reminds Dairy Farmers of closing date for Milk Quota Trading Scheme	20 November 2006
Coughlan meets Seehofer on CAP simplification	21 November 2006
Successful Food Forum in South East - Minister Smith launches Bord Bia guide to retail market for speciality food	21 November 2006
Minister Smith renews advice to consumers on purchasing organic produce	22 November 2006
Minister Coughlan welcomes new Excise Relief Scheme as major boost for biofuel production	23 November 2006
Minister Wallace warns of Disease Risks associated with mixing of cattle in "Bed and Breakfast" Arrangements	24 November 2006
Department outlines on-farm Inspection Policy	26 November 2006
Minister Smith expresses vote of confidence in €120m Mushroom Industry	27 November 2006
Minister Coughlan confirms supply of User-Friendly Flock Registers & Dispatch Documents to Sheep Flockowners	28 November 2006
Coughlan re-iterates commitment to Food Research and calls on industry to be innovative and consumer focused	28 November 2006
Minister Coughlan further streamlines application procedure under the Farm Waste Management Scheme	29 November 2006
Compendium of Irish Agricultural Statistics 2006	29 November 2006
Minister Coughlan announces balancing payments under €1.3 billion 2006 Single Payment Scheme	29 November 2006
Milk Quota Trading Scheme attracts 5,500 applicants	30 November 2006
Coughlan views innovative Limerick research on reduced salt ready meals	30 November 2006
Minister Coughlan to reduce disease levies by 50%	30 November 2006

December

Title	Date
Minister Smith visits Orchard Home and Garden Centre, Celebridge	01 December 2006
Coughlan Welcomes Generous Package of Measures for Farmers in Budget 2007	06 December 2006
Additional 80 euro Energy Crop Top-up a major Incentive for farmers - Coughlan	08 December 2006
Decentralisation to Macroom on track - Coughlan	08 December 2006
Coughlan welcomes easing of administrative burden on small food businesses	08 December 2006
Coughlan appoints Chairman of Farmers Charter Monitoring Committee	13 December 2006
Minister Coughlan announces grants of €1.2 million to Animal Welfare bodies countrywide	13 December 2006
Minister Smith announces grants of €25,000 to Monaghan Animal Welfare bodies	13 December 2006
Minister Smith announces grants of €17,000 to Cavan Animal Welfare bodies	13 December 2006
Minister Wallace announces grants of €24,000 to Meath Animal Welfare bodies	13 December 2006
Wallace highlights potential of wood energy	14 December 2006
Minister Wallace welcomes Budget initiatives on Forestry and renewable energy	14 December 2006
Wallace announces major increase in Forestry planting grants	15 December 2006
Minister Coughlan comments on 2006 Farm Estimate from CSO	15 December 2006
Minister Coughlan sets out position on soiled water and the importance of availing of the Farm Waste Management Scheme	15 December 2006
Minister Coughlan announces publication of the Department of Agriculture and Food's Scheme under the Official Languages Act 2003	20 December 2006
Minister Coughlan appoints Directors to the Board of the Irish National Stud Company Ltd	22 December 2006
Minister Brendan Smith announces funding of €40,000 targeted at Independent External Evaluation of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)	22 December 2006
Minister Brendan Smith announces donation of €1 million to keep vital food programme for orphans open	28 December 2006
Minister Wallace announces funding of €100,000 targeted at Forestry in developing countries	28 December 2006
Coughlan awards further €31 million to food research projects	31 December 2006