Agricultural shows play important role in exhibiting farming excellence

THE agricultural shows which begin over the May Bank Holiday weekend are much more than a great day out for rural people — they also play an important role in raising standards in the country’s sport horse, livestock and artisan food sectors.

Total agri-food exports exceeded €8 billion last year. Over 90% of Irish beef is now exported to the high-value European Union market. And the sport horse industry is estimated to be worth at least another €200 million to the economy.

It is against that background that support for the country’s shows, a feature of rural life for the past 200 years, has been announced by Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan.