Major agriculture and rural development conference to take place in Kildare

A major gathering focused on the future of farming and rural enterprise will take place this weekend in Kildare.

The Fine Gael Agriculture and Rural Development Conference invites farmers, producers, entrepreneurs and community members to meaningfully engage on the challenges and opportunities for rural Ireland.

The agri-food sector is the backbone of rural Ireland employing 169,300 people and supporting 135,000 farming families. The industry accounts for 6% of national employment, equating to one in every 16 jobs across the country, while the Irish seafood sector alone employs 16,800 people which underlines the depth and breadth of this vital industry.

The event is open to the public and offers a platform to voice concerns, exchange ideas and celebrate the vibrance of Ireland’s agri-food sector. Attendees will also enjoy a lively expo showcasing locally produced food and drink, highlighting the diversity and innovation of Irish farming.

Taking place at the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co. Kildare on Saturday, November 15, the conference begins at 11am with an address by An Tánaiste, Simon Harris.

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The morning session will explore urgent issues facing agriculture, featuring contributions from Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon, as well as member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, MEP Maria Walsh.

Discussions will include the impact of tariffs on agricultural trade with insights from Diageo Ireland and the JFC Group, a Galway company which designs and manufacturers construction and agricultural solutions, as well as Denis Drennan, the president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association who will raise issues facing dairy farmers.

Afternoon sessions will focus on rural development and the future of farming, with input from the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association and Wexbury Drinks, a Wexford-based strawberry drinks producer.

A dedicated session on generational renewal will include contributions from Josephine O’Neill, the president of Macra na Feirme and explores how to encourage and support young people in continuing family farming traditions, ensuring sustainability and vitality in rural communities.

This year’s conference promises to be a pivotal moment for stakeholders across the agri-food landscape, encouraging collaboration and a shared commitment to Ireland’s rural future.

Registration is open at https://events.finegael.ie/national-agriculture-food-and-rural-development-conference/