Press Releases 2004

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Title	Date

January

Title	Date
Walsh announces reduced obligatory Set-aside for Cereals	05 January 2004
Walsh announces introduction of New Farm Waste Management and Dairy Hygiene Schemes	05 January 2004
Walsh welcomes Commission undertaking to consider Export Refunds for Pigmeat	16 January 2004
Worrying of Livestock by Dogs	16 January 2004
Walsh establishes Group to Plan for Agriculture up to 2015	19 January 2004
Department issues advice in relation to Horse Disease	19 January 2004
Aylward comments on developing new approach to Johne's Disease	20 January 2004
Walsh Moves on Thai Chicken Ban	23 January 2004
Walsh announces introduction of export refunds for pigmeat	26 January 2004
Ministers Walsh and Pearson meet on North/South Issues	26 January 2004
Minister Aylward committed to retaining Live Exports Outlets	26 January 2004
Treacy announces Grant Aid of 2.5m Euro for the Horticulture Sector	28 January 2004
Strategy for Forestry to be reassessed	30 January 2004
Walsh announces new labelling provisions for poultrymeat	29 January 2004
Biosecurity Leaflets to issue to Poultry Flockowners	30 January 2004
Contaminated Linseed Cake	30 January 2004
Walsh publishes Interdepartmental Committee Report on the Disposal Options for Meat and Bone Meal (MBM)	06 January 2004
Walsh announces approval of Mechanical Carcase Grading Systems	07 January 2004
Walsh announces increased Export Refunds for Skimmed Milk Powder and Whole Milk Powder	15 January 2004

February

Title	Date
Walsh announces further Labelling requirements for Poultrymeat	06 February 2004
Minister issues Warning regarding Milk Super Levy situation	10 February 2004
Walsh announces Grant Scheme in support of the introduction of Beef Carcase Classification Machines	11 February 2004
Walsh launches group to plan for Agriculture up to 2015 - Inaugural meeting of Agri Vision 2015 Committee	11 February 2004
Minister announces re-launch of Forestry Support Schemes	12 February 2004
Treacy approves Organic Demonstration Farms	13 February 2004
Walsh outlines importance of French Market for Irish Food	13 February 2004
Walsh announces proposed changes to Animal Medicine Controls	16 February 2004
Single Payment Scheme - Walsh announces Appeals Procedure and provides update on Single Payment Detailed Rules	20 February 2004
Minister Treacy addresses Symposium on Organic EU Action Plan	20 February 2004
Minister Walsh addresses OIE Global Conference on Animal Welfare	23 February 2004
Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers, 24 Feb	23 February 2004
Walsh comments on US Avian Influenza Case	24 February 2004
Walsh eases restrictions on Farm Work under Early Retirement Scheme	20 February 2004
Walsh chairs Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers	25 February 2004
Walsh announces 15m euro Investment in World Class Innovation Centre	18 February 2004

March

Title	Date
Walsh announces record performance in Beef Exports to EU Markets	03 March 2004
Huge renewal of Interest in Forestry	05 March 2004
Walsh announces Strategic Review of Forestry Policy	08 March 2004
Minister issues warning regarding Milk Super Levy Situation	09 March 2004
Walsh highlights Importance of Forestry	11 March 2004
Minister Walsh extends Area Aid Closing Date	15 March 2004
Extensification Premium for 2004 - Minister Walsh announces First Census Date	22 March 2004
Minister Walsh announces balancing payments of 79 million euro under 2003 Schemes	29 March 2004
Walsh announces details of Direct Payments to Dairy Farmers	01 March 2004
Walsh in Discussions with Dutch Minister for Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality	11 March 2004
Walsh Favours Full Information for Consumers on Origin of Food	15 March 2004
Walsh Welcomes Fuschia to Birmingham	11 March 2004
Walsh Urges Continued Caution in Relation to Avian Influenza	19 March 2004
Presidency schedules additional meeting of Agriculture Council	23 March 2004
Minister Walsh announces Aid Scheme for farmers in Pullathomas	24 March 2004
Walsh introduces new controls for Organic Food and Farming	24 March 2004
Farm Safety needs constant attention	26 March 2004
MINIMinister Aylward Welcomes Progress on Control of Horses - Significant fall in number of wandering horses	31 March 2004
The Single Payment Scheme - Minister Walsh announces conclusion of negotiations on the Commission detailed implementing rules	31 March 2004

April

Title	Date
Ireland succeeds in starting the clock to bring into force the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture	02 April 2004
Minister Walsh receives COFORD 2003 Annual Report	08 April 2004
Minister Walsh announces roll-out of the Animal Health Computer System	08 April 2004
Minister Walsh extends Area Aid Closing Date	19 April 2004
Minister Walsh announces the issue of Annual Payment Statements to Farmers	21 April 2004
Presidency secures agreement on reform of the CAP for Mediterranean products	22 April 2004
Walsh announces Development of Department's Decentralisation Programme for Cork and the Munster Region	22 April 2004
Aylward highlights "Trust in Food" to Europe's Chief Veterinary Offices	23 April 2004
No agreement possible on Animal Transport Regulation (Presidency secures adoption of series of food and feed safety measures)	27 April 2004
Aylward announces approval of Laboratories for National Genotype Programme (NGP) Testing	27 April 2004
Aylward announces approval of New Irish Herdbook for Shorthorn Cattle	28 April 2004
Minister Walsh opens European Conference on Forests and Forest Products in Dublin	29 April 2004
Treacy receives Progress Report on Development of the Organic Sector	29 April 2004
2004 Parasitic Disease Forecast	01 April 2004
Aylward spells out benefits of Single Payment System	05 April 2004
Minister Walsh announces commencement of payment of over 50m euro in 2004 Forestry Premia	07 April 2004
Walsh announces introduction of Mechanical Grading by Summer - welcomes Industry Support	14 April 2004
Walsh makes Appointments to the Board of Coillte	14 April 2004

May

Title	Date
Treacy announces NDP Grant Aid of 4.4m euro for 118 Horticulture Producers	04 May 2004
New REPS next week, says Walsh	05 May 2004
O 24th Regional Conference for Europe Montpellier France 5-7 May	06 May 2004
Walsh stresses the importance of a coherent International Forest Policy	05 May 2004
Informal Meeting of Council of Agriculture Ministers 9-11 May	07 May 2004
Walsh announces increased Flexibility in Milk Quota Regulations	07 May 2004
Walsh presses for increased Beef Labelling requirements	10 May 2004
Informal Meeting of Council of Agriculture Ministers Presidency Conclusions	11 May 2004
Decision on new REPS deferred but improved benefits to be backdated to 1 March	11 May 2004
Continuing Strength of Beef Markets across the EU	21 May 2004
Farmers can apply for new REPS next week, says Walsh	24 May 2004
Decentralisation of Department of Agriculture and Food to Portlaoise to commence	27 May 2004
Walsh presents Agriculture and Food Annual Review and Outlook 2003/04 and launches Single Payment Explanatory Guide	27 May 2004
Task Force Report recommends Major Changes to boost the 130m euro Mushroom Industry	28 May 2004
Minister announces Early Payment Date for Premium Scheme	31 May 2004
Walsh opens up Investment Schemes to Milk Partnerships	26 May 2004

June

Title	Date
Walsh speaks of renewed confidence in Forestry in address to Irish Timber Council AGM	18 June 2004
Final Agriculture Council held under Irish Presidency	22 June 2004
Walsh secures Commission approval for new REPS	23 June 2004
Walsh responds to Consumer wishes on the Labelling of Beef in Restaurants	24 June 2004
Irish Presidency Progresses Agriculture and Food Safety Agenda	28 June 2004
On-Going Roll-Out of the Animal Health Computer System	29 June 2004
Walsh announces Payment of some 31m euro for Beef Farmers	30 June 2004
Walsh announces commencement of payments of 120m euro under 2003 Extensification Premium	08 June 2004
Minister Walsh announces 4.83m euro Food Aid Donation to the World Food Programme (WFP)	08 June 2004
Minister Walsh announces the establishment of Single Payment Advisory Committee	08 June 2004
Walsh hosts 50th Anniversary Event for Foot and Mouth Experts 11th June, 2004	11 June 2004
sification Premium for 2004 - Minister Walsh announces Second Census Date	14 June 2004
Walsh addresses Meeting of International Dairy Federation	14 June 2004
Walsh speaks of Major Irish Beef Success during Promotional visit to UK	16 June 2004
Department of Agriculture and Food releases the results of 2003 National Residue monitoring Plan	16 June 2004
Minister Walsh opens major International Food Conference	17 June 2004
Walsh announces Amalgamation of Bord Glas and Bord Bia	30 June 2004

July

Title	Date
Minister Walsh announces publication of Second CMMS Statistics Report on Cattle Population	05 July 2004
Minister Walsh provides update on the Implementation of Single Payment Scheme	07 July 2004
Minister Walsh emphasises importance of Agri Food Sector to the Economy	09 July 2004
MIMinister Walsh announces a new On-line Cattle Herd Profile Enquiry Facility	12 July 2004
Commencement of Farmer Information Meetings on New Rural Environment Protection Scheme	13 July 2004
Walsh says onus on WTO negotiating partners to respond to EU offer as negotiations intensify	14 July 2004
Walsh totally opposed to Commission proposals on sugar	14 July 2004
Minister Walsh announces the Publication of a New Land Bill	18 July 2004
Join REPS 3 Now and Safeguard ongoing funding, Walsh urges Farmers	21 July 2004
Minister Walsh announces appointment of Ms Marian Finucane as new Chairperson of Consumer Liaison Panel	26 July 2004
Walsh launches 2003 Annual Report of the Agriculture Appeals Office	30 July 2004

August

Title	Date
WTO - Minister Walsh secures a most satisfactory result for Irish Agriculture	01 August 2004
European Commission gives Go-ahead to Pullathomas Landslide Damage Relief Scheme	03 August 2004
Walsh increases funding for Irish Horse Board	04 August 2004
Minister Walsh meets in Dublin with Vice President and Senior Officials of the Chinese Import Control Agency	05 August 2004
Walsh says Food Industry well placed to meet Future Challenges	08 August 2004
Extensification Premium for 2004 - Minister Walsh announces Third Census Date	09 August 2004
Organic Success Story - Minister Treacy opens new 1.5m euro Processing Centre	12 August 2004
Outbreak of Avian Influenza in South Africa	12 August 2004
Outbreak of Avian Influenza in Malaysia	27 August 2004
Walsh praises high performance level of Irish Sport Horse Sector in Athens	31 August 2004

September

Title	Date
Minister Walsh announces the issue of Statement of Provisional Entitlements to Farmers under the New Single Payment Scheme	05 September 2004
Minister Walsh publishes Annual Report for 2003	08 September 2004
Walsh reflects on the new era for Irish Agriculture	10 September 2004
Walsh outlines changes occuring in Dairy Sector	13 September 2004
Minister Treacy urges consumers to try organic	18 September 2004
Minister Walsh announces 195m euro Payout under 2004 Area Based Compensatory Allowance Scheme in Disadvantaged Area	20 September 2004
Consumer Liaison Panel to Commission Research into Food Pricing in Ireland	21 September 2004
Minister Treacy attends World Food Fair Moscow	22 September 2004
Development of Forestry Strategy in Ireland - Major Study and Options Presented to the Minister	23 September 2004
Walsh announces collaborative Early Warning/Intervention System for Farm Animal Welfare Cases	24 September 2004
Walsh Awards 17 Million Euro to Food Researach Projects	27 September 2004
Know your Fruit Juices and Jams says Walsh	27 September 2004
Minister Launches Egg Labelling Campaign	27 September 2004
Walsh announces new REPS Arrangements for Shannon Callows	27 September 2004
Extensification Premium for 2004 - Minister Walsh announces Fourth Census Date	28 September 2004
Walsh makes appointments to Bord Bia	29 September 2004

October

Title	Date
Coughlan announces re-opening of Algerian Market to Irish Beef	05 October 2004
Farmers urged to take advantage of Land Annunity Concession	07 October 2004
Minister Browne Opens Wood Energy 2004 Conference	07 October 2004
Smith launches 'Selfridge Bite Ireland' in London	07 October 2004
Minister Browne Plants Tree in Enniscorthy to celebrate National Tree Day 14 October 2004	14 October 2004
Browne sings the praises of food from the South East at the Opera Festival	18 October 2004
Minister Coughlan announces 370m euro in Livestock Scheme Payments to over 70,000 farmers	18 October 2004
Coughlan announces 5.6m euro Aid to Producer Organisations	18 October 2004
Browne issues Liver Fluke forecast	20 October 2004
Implementation of Single Payment Scheme in Ireland	20 October 2004
Minister Browne addresses Irish Farm Buildings Association and welcomes analysis on Safety of Farm Buildings	21 October 2004
Land Bill 2004 gets Seanad Approval	22 October 2004
Consumer Liaison Panel to explore use of a symbol on labels of GM produce	22 October 2004
Minister Coughlan welcomes improvements in disease levels	25 October 2004
Coughlan publishes new legislation for the Veterinary profession	27 October 2004
Department of Agriculture and Food commences consultation on Cross Compliance Measures under the Single Payment Scheme	27 October 2004
Minister Smith visits Ballymoney Foods Co. Antrim	29 October 2004

November

Title	Date
Minister Browne presents Certificates at Kildalton Agricultural College	01 November 2004
Minister of State Browe launches Coford book "Forestry in Ireland - A Concise History" at Avondale House, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow	02 November 2004
Minister Coughlan announces commencement of the Pedigree Sheep Breed Improvement Programme 2004/2005	03 November 2004
Minister Browne addresses Co Wexford Sheepbreeders Association	05 November 2004
Minister Coughlan opens new Bóthar Office	09 November 2004
Coughlan announces €2.25 million support for Ballymun Horse Project	09 November 2004
Minister Browne affirms Government commitment to Forestry at IFA Farm Forestry Conference	12 November 2004
Working Group extends closing date for receipt of submissions on GM Coexistence	12 November 2004
Minister Coughlan announces payments of €121 million of Arable Aid to Cereal Farmers	15 November 2004
Browne launches Wexford Food Awards	15 November 2004
Coughlan welcomes Estimates for Department of Agriculture and Food 2005	18 November 2004
MINMinister Browne warns of disease risks associated with mixing of cattle in "Bed and Breakfast" situations	22 November 2004
Extensification Premium for 2004 Minister Coughlan announces Fifth Census Date	22 November 2004
Minister Browne praises Partnership approach to the promotion and development of Forestry	23 November 2004
Minister Coughlan announces new Internet facility to register calf births	23 November 2004
Minister Browne Praises Forestry Training Initiative at annual gathering of the Irish Forestry Contractors Association	29 November 2004
Minister Coughlan announces grants of €1M for Animal Welfare bodies	30 November 2004

December

Title	Date
Disease levies to be reduced by €5M	01 December 2004
Minister Couglan welcomes a good budget for Farmers	01 December 2004
Christmas Tree for Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin	02 December 2004
Smith welcomes Pie Co expansion in Carrickmacross	03 December 2004
Minister Coughlan holds talks on Live Shipping	03 December 2004
Minister Coughlan announces new arrangements for Seed Potatoes	06 December 2004
Browne Urges Greater Use of Timber Construction for Sustainable Development	09 December 2004
Minister Smith Calls for Renewed Vigor in Implementing Mushroom Task Force Recommendations	09 December 2004
Minister Coughlan Meets Her Spanish Counterpart for Discussions on Issues of Mutual Interest	09 December 2004
Minister of State Browne Presents the Annual RDS Forestry Awards and the Centenary Lifetime Achievement in Forestry Award	09 December 2004
Minister Smith Address ICSA Annual Conference	10 December 2004
Minister Coughlan announces Awards of 14.65m euro in Marketing and Processing Investment Aid	14 December 2004
THE SINGLE PAYMENT SCHEME - Minister. Coughlan announces details of farmers who will be entitled to apply for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 National Reserve	15 December 2004
Minister Coughlan launches Agri-vision 2015 Report	15 December 2004
Minister Browne Launches "A Study of County Clare Farm Forestry Market"	16 December 2004
Minister Browne Promotes the Export of Irish Christmas Trees	16 December 2004
Minister Browne Launches "Devil's Glen Sculpture in Woodland" Catalogue	19 December 2004
Minister Coughlan reduces Disease Levies by 5m Euro	21 December 2004
Minister Coughlan announces new Milk Quota Restructuring Programme	22 December 2004
Minister Coughlan Announces a Donation of €358,327 to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Support of Developing Countries	30 December 2004