Farm machinery sector had €450m turnover in 2008, says minister

THE Irish farm machinery sector, which employs 3,500 people, had an estimated turnover of more than €450 million in 2008, Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith revealed yesterday.

“It is therefore very important that the substantial contribution of this industry to the economy is not understated,” he said.

Mr Smith’s comments were in an address, delivered on his behalf by David Behan, his department’s chief inspector, at the opening of the three-day Farm Machinery Show at Punchestown Event Centre in Co Kildare.