Cowen to speak at ASA conference with cutbacks to dominate agenda

THE impact of Government cutbacks on the employment of agricultural graduates is one of the key items for discussion at the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) annual conference on September 11.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen will be the guest speaker at the conference banquet in the Castleknock Hotel on the previous night.

The conference, which is sponsored by FBD, will hear the views of Professor Gerry Boyle from Teagasc and Gerry Gunning, Irish Farmers Association. They will speak on how the cuts already announced and those proposed in the so-called Bord Snip Nua report will affect the agri-food sector and the rural economy.

ASA president Elaine Farrell said the keynote address will be given by Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith. Leading economist, Jim O’Leary, NUI Maynooth, will outline the challenges facing policy makers in charting a course towards economic recovery. Ms Farrell said the conference is taking place at a time of great economic difficulty and huge problems for the farming and food sectors, and the conference will hear “lively debate on the critical issues affecting our industry”.

“Many ASA members are worried about their careers and the future of the services they provide.

“The conference provides an opportunity to take time out and meet with colleagues across the sector,” she said. Ms Farrell said despite the difficult economic climate, the conference has again received generous support.

Brussels-based commentator Roger Waite will address delegates on the future shape of the Common Agricultural Policy and Pat Cox, director of the Ireland for Europe campaign, will speak on the case for voting yes in the Lisbon referendum. A highlight of the event will be a round table discussion involving leading industry figures on Ireland the Food Island – a Myth or a Reality?

Leading food analyst, Joe Gill and Justin McCarthy, livestock editor, Irish Farmers Journal, will act as provocative discussion openers. A panel consisting of Dermot Breen, Tesco, Aidan Cotter, Bord Bia, John Horgan, Kepak, Jim Power, economist, Anne Randles, Irish Dairy Board and Professor Patrick Wall, UCD, will offer a broad range of industry views.