Rural researchers keep lid on euphoria

Eamonn Pitts reports from a recent Teagasc/National Rural Network conference on prospects for development of the rural economy

FOR people in danger of getting carried away by euphoria at agricultural prosperity, the rural development conference organised recently in Athlone by Teagasc and the National Rural Network was sobering.

Not only was it seen as unlikely that the long-term decline in farmer numbers will be reversed, but experts said growth in Ireland is likely to follow the same underlying principles as elsewhere — it will be predominantly urban.