Record number of trade stands for championships

DESPITE the economic recession, there will be a record 1,136 trade stands at the National Ploughing Championships in Athy, Co Kildare, in two weeks, it was revealed yesterday.

The programme for the 79th showpiece rural festival on September 21-23 was launched on site by Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith.

He said it was very heartening to hear there will be a record number of trade exhibits. It was a sign of the interest of the trade and the general farming and agri-food industry.