MULTI-MILLIONAIRE businessman Denis O’Brien yesterday told an audience of young entrepreneurs that Ireland was in “a very positive place”.

AGRICULTURE is in crisis and there is a lack of vision from the mainstream farming organisations and the state as to what direction it should take, the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association has claimed.

ANY cuts to agriculture spending must be directed away from smaller farmers and should be informed by a vision for the future shape of rural Ireland, according to the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association.

FEARS have arisen that the multiple retailers are set to seek price reductions of up to 40% from suppliers in the country’s €140 million organic food sector.

THE Irish Organic Farmers and Growers’ Association has established a formal co-operative link with the Soil Association — Britain’s largest organic body.

CONSUMERS have been urged to support local farmers and food producers in order to help the local economy.

Caroline Rigney rears free-range Tamworth, Saddleback and Gloucester Old Spot pigs in Kilcornan, Co Limerick. Their bacon is sweet and delicious. The beautiful Beal Farmhouse organic cheese is made by Kate Carmody, the chairwoman of the board of directors for the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association.

THE Government was urged yesterday to train people to grow their own food.

Irish farmers could be forced to remove the organic title from poultry stocks if the H5N1 bird flu virus arrives in Britain.

Dunbrody Abbey Visitor Centre, Campile, New Ross, Co Wexford will be holding Christmas fairs on December 10 & 11 and December 17 & 18.