‘Quality farming efforts suit export marketing’

A MASSIVE investment by farmers in upgrading facilities, combined with a continuing increase in the number of participants in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS), should be used as a marketing and promotional platform for food exports, according to the Agricultural Science Association (ASA).

In a submission to the Department of Agriculture and Food on the draft Rural Development Strategy 2007-2013, the ASA says that more than €1.5bn will be invested by farmers on upgrading farm facilities during the lifetime of the farm waste management scheme.

“This will ensure food of the highest quality from ultra-modern facilities, which offers a real marketing opportunity for exporters,” it says.