Officially opening the Tullamore Show today, Sunday 9 August, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney addressed the softening of global dairy markets, saying there can be no doubt it has had an impact on dairy farmers in Ireland.

"Farmers and other stakeholders are very much aware that price volatility will be a fact of life from now on," he said. "In the short to medium term all stakeholders at national and EU level must together face and address challenges such as price volatility utilising all tools at our disposal."

However, Coveney said in the long-term the future post quota abolition is very positive and presents a significant opportunity for Irish dairy farmers. "The long-term future global fundamentals for the dairy sector remain very positive, with increasing worldwide consumer demand, particularly in the middle and far-east being driven by population growth as well as growth in the middle classes”.

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The Minister also addressed the beef sector, particularly the upturn in beef market conditions this year and renewed confidence in the prices being received for finished animals in the factories.

On the subject of the Beef Data and Genomics Programme, he said he is pleased that large numbers of farmers have applied for the programme, which is now fully subscribed.

"There is no other country in Europe investing in suckler beef breeding at the same scale as in Ireland," he said, "and I am excited about what this €300 million investment can deliver on the ground for suckler farmers in the years ahead."

Coveney also took the opportunity to address farm safety, saying he could not let the opportunity pass without reminding farmers and their families to be vigilant when it comes to this issue.

"It is one of the most important issues facing farming today. Statistics show that the highest areas of accidents relate to tractors, other machinery and livestock. Cattle can be unpredictable and it is important, therefore, to take great care when approaching or handling livestock to prevent an accident from occurring. I urge you all, and indeed every organisation and person involved in farming, to continually highlight the issue of safety, and make farming a safer occupation for all involved in the sector”.

A total of 10 people have died on Irish farms so far this year, while 30 people died on Irish farms in 2014, accounting for more than half of all workplace related deaths last year.

The Minister concluded by thanking the Tullamore Show Chairman, Secretary, organising committee and the team of volunteers who put in many hours of hard work in preparing for Tullamore Show 2015. “Agricultural shows such as this one in Tullamore play an important role in the social calendar of the farming community," he said. "They allow farmers to meet their friends and fellow farmers and discuss the latest development in farming and agri-food business. This is all the more relevant now the sector is such a key driver of economic growth and export earnings."

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