Representatives from 24 European Union member states convened in Athlone last week to discuss a range of issues relating to rural development, including farming diversification, organic farming and generational renewal.
On Wednesday, February 20, delegates from across Europe visited the farm of Pat Lalor in Killbeggan, Co. Westmeath – an organic enterprise – to get a first-hand experience of how Irish farmers are dealing with the organic issue.
The following day, Thursday, February 21, the European Networks for Rural Development (ENRD) hosted the 13th meeting of the European National Rural Networks, which examined such issues as smart villages, the upcoming changes to the Common Agricultural Policy, and the future of the National Rural Networks.
On Friday, farm succession and inheritance was the topic of the day at a special workshop for the attendees, which offered an opportunity to hear how various European member states are tackling the issue of how to get more young people to take up farming as a career.
The three-day event was co-organised by the National Rural Network (NRN), and its project director, Seamus Boland said: “For those of us working in the area of rural development, this gathering was an excellent opportunity to network with our European counterparts.
“Over the past few days, we have gathered many excellent examples of rural development and innovation in Europe that could be examined and replicated within the Irish context,” he added.
The ENRD also co-organised the event; the purpose of this organisation is to bring together all stakeholders working on rural development in the EU.