Farmers urged to take diversification opportunities

Farmers struggling to earn a living from mainstream farming activity are being urged to diversify into other areas and take advantage of new opportunities.

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association said today that rearing thoroughbred horses presented a tremendous opportunity for farmers, given recent changes to EU subsidy supports.

The association made the claim while seeking more than €16m in Government funding to strengthen the industry.

Meanwhile, Minister for Rural Affairs Eamon Ó Cuív told a small food producers' forum today that the production of speciality or artisan foods also presented a real opportunity for farmers.

He said demand for such foods is growing at 10% per annum.