Connick and Cuffe given new powers in agriculture department

MINISTERS of State Sean Connick and Ciarán Cuffe have assumed a suite of new statutory powers and duties within the Department of Agriculture.

Mr Connick assumes new powers in relation to fisheries and forestry. Mr Cuffe takes charge of horticulture and organic farming, farmers’ markets, farm shops, An Foras Orgánach, bees, carbon food labelling and the voluntary GM logo (the introduction of which is committed to in the renewed programme for government).

Taoiseach Brian Cowen signed the delegation orders yesterday. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith, welcomed the initiative.