2009 - Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine

January

Title	Date
07 January 2009: Minister Sargent welcomes approval of IMO as new organic certification body	07 January 2009
Minister Smith Welcomes introduction of Increase in Age for BSE Testing to 48 Months	13 January 2009
Minister Smith in Largest Ever Trade Mission to Japan	14 January 2009
Smith welcomes strengthening of Dairy Market support measures	15 January 2009
Minister Smith welcomes €1.5 billion EU proposal	19 January 2009
Milk Super Levy Situation	20 January 2009
Minister Smith welcomes increased use of Information Technology (IT) in Farming and Rural Communities	20 January 2009
Minister Smith announces first payments under REPS 4	21 January 2009
Ireland signs Memorandum of Understanding with Russia on Trade in Fishery Products	22 January 2009
Minister Of State Tony Killeen Officially Opens Phase 1 Of The Castletownbere Development And Announces Funding Of €6.5 Million For Dinish Wharf Extension In 2009	23 January 2009
Export Refunds Reintroduced For Dairy Products	23 January 2009
28 January 2009: Minister Smith launches Animal Health Ireland and attends inaugural meeting of stakeholders group	28 January 2009

February

Title	Date
02 February 2009: Minister Smith welcomes resumption of Irish port trade to South Africa	02 February 2009
09 February 2009: Minister Smith points to role of Agri-Food Sector in "sustaining and envigorating our economy"	09 February 2009
11 February 2009: Minister of State Sargent makes deposit of Irish seeds to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault	11 February 2009
11 February 2009: Minister Smith confirms payment arrangements for Farm Waste Management grants worth over €500 million	11 February 2009
16 February 2008: Minister Smith announces the issue of Annual Payment Statements to farmers for 2008	16 February 2009
16 February 2009: New investment, additional quota and innovation are at the heart of the Irish dairy industry - Smith	16 February 2009
19 February, 2009: Minister Sargent Opens Ireland's Organic Food Stand At Biofach 2009	19 February 2009
19 February 2009: Milk Super Levy Situation	19 February 2009
25 February 2009: Minister Smith Welcomes Opening of the Chinese Market for Irish Bovine Semen	25 February 2009
27 February 2009: Smith calls for greater EU support for the Dairy sector	27 February 2009
27 February 2009: Smith confirms Farm Waste payments to resume next week and ex-gratia payments on deferred payments	27 February 2009

March

Title	Date
02 March 2009: Killeen marks National Tree Week as he officially opens Coillte Forest Park in Limerick	02 March 2009
10 March 2009: Minister reminds farmers of closing date of 3rd April for Nitrates Derogation applications	12 March 2009
10 March 2009: Quota demand exceeds supply - Traded volumes fall. Minister Smith announces results of Sixth Milk Quota Trading Scheme	10 March 2009
11 March 2009: Smith announces €24 million refund to 122,000 farmers	13 March 2009
11 March 2009: Minister of State Killeen warns of the dangers of forest fires	13 March 2009
11 March 2009: Smith meets Commissionor - increases pressure for Dairy Sector supports	13 March 2009
13 March 2009: Smith to promote Irish Food in German Market	13 March 2009
Minister Killeen Announces Commitment to €3.8M in Grant Aid Support for 2009 to Support New Aquaculture Development Projects and €1.4M in 2009 for Data Collection to Support Aquaculture Licencing in Marine Natura 2000 Sites	19 March 2009
Milk Super Levy Situation	20 March 2009
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Visits Nolan's Butchers, Kilcullen	23 March 2009
Minister Sargent announces details of funding under the Genetic Resources Grant Aid Scheme	24 March 2009
Minister Smith announces €7million for Hill Sheep Farmers	23 March 2009
Smith urges Council to continue to support the Dairy Sector	25 March 2009
Appointments to Bord Bia	27 March 2009
Minister Smith announces opening of on-line application facility for the 2009 Single Payment Scheme	31 March 2009

April

Title	Date
Minister Launches Irish Shows Association 2009 Year Book	04 April 2009
Minister confirms Department allocation for 2009	07 April 2009
Spring 2009: Parasitic Disease Forecast	08 April 2009
Minister Killeen Defends Budget Announcement to Reduce Forestry Premia and Governments Commitment to Forestry Policy	09 April 2009
Minister Smith extends closing date for 2009: Nitrates Derogation Applications	09 April 2009
Minister Smith announces details of the 2009 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve	14 April 2009
New Scheme for Collection of Fallen Animals for BSE Testing	09 April 2009
Smith announces major initiative to encourage new entrants to Dairy Farming	14 April 2009
Minister Sargent Announces Grant Aid of €3.8M for Horticulture Growers	17 April 2009
Minister of State Killeen asks Forestry Liaison Group to bring forward recommendations regarding priorities in the Forestry Sector following last weeks budget decisions	17 April 2009
Smith to raise Dairy Market Situation at Agriculture Council	21 April 2009
Smith gives initial views on Commission Fisheries Policy Green Paper	23 April 2009
Minister Smith Announces Support For Beef, Dairy Sheep Breeding	24 April 2009
Minister Smith confirms that Department of Agriculture Inspectors will undertake Nitrates' Regulations Inspections	24 April 2009
Minister Smith raises the Milk Situation at EU Agriculture Council in Luxemburg	24 April 2009
Inter-Departmental Marine Co-ordinating Group	29 April 2009

May

Title	Date
Minister Tony Killeen announces investment of €6.9 Million in the provision of pontoons at Ros An Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre	01 May 2009
Closing Date for 2009 Single Payment Scheme Applications	05 May 2009
Minister Sargent welcomes the European Commission Competition to create a new EU Organic Logo	07 May 2009
Minister Sargent Alerts Farmers to 15 May 2009 deadline for Applications for Organic Farming Scheme	08 May 2009
Minister Brendan Smith presented with ISO Certification for Imput Payments Section, Accounts Division, Cavan and Asset Management Unit, Portlaoise	11 May 2009
Smith supports Irish Food Suppliers and Producers	20 May 2009
Commitment to development of Agri-Food Sector as part of Knowledge Economy	21 May 2009
Minister Killeen launches 'Irish Forest and Forest Products Association'	21 May 2009
Smith officially opens new cheese packing facility for the Irish Dairy Board	22 May 2009
Killeen appoints Dr Noel Cawley to oversee Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Review Consultation	22 May 2009
Smith Welcomes €900M Advance Payment for Irish Farmers	25 May 2009
Minister Brendan Smith Sets Ireland's Approach for CFP Review at EU Fisheries Council	25 May 2009
Minister Smith Responds To Publication Of Oireachtas Committee's Report	26 May 2009
Smith speaks on Food Retail Margins at EU Ministers Meeting	27 May 2009
Minister of State Sargent Launches Good Practice Standard for Farmers' Markets	29 May 2009

June

Title	Date
Beef Exports - Indonesian Officials Visit Ireland	03 June 2009
Minister Smith Confirms Additional Support for Sheep Farmers	03 June 2009
Smith Welcomes Increased Export Refunds for Dairy Products	04 June 2009
Minister Announces Publication of Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 2008/2009	05 June 2009
Smith Announces Details of Scheme to Encourage New Entrants to Dairying	10 June 2009
Irish Official Elected Chairperson of the Prestigious Food Aid Convention	10 June 2009
New Requirements on Identification and Microchipping of Equines	10 June 2009
Minister Killeen launches RDS-Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards 2009	15 June 2009
Minister Smith to press the Commission further on Dairy Markets	17 June 2009
Smith welcomes increased Export Refunds for Dairy Products	18 June 2009
Smith Remains Firm on Support for the Dairy Industry	22 June 2009
Minister Killeen meets EU Commissioner Joe Borg	23 June 2009
Seminar on DAFF-Funded Research Informs Agri-Related Climate Change Policy	24 June 2009
Minister Announces Funding of Over €1M for ICBF/Sheep Ireland for Cattle & Sheep Breeding	26 June 2009

July

Title	Date
Smith Welcomes Official Brucellosis Free Status for Ireland	01 July 2009
Minister of State, Tony Killeen T.D., Officially Opens the New Pontoons at Dingle Fishery Harbour Centre	06 July 2009
Launch of Joint Post Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Public Health	06 July 2009
Minister Sargent welcomes great interest in Organic Farming Option - Major attendance at Teagasc Organic Farm Walk at Donegal Creameries An Grianán Farm	07 July 2009
€207 Million for new Investment Measures in Irish Agriculture as part of a revised Rural Development Programme	08 July 2009
Minister Sargent announces suspension of the schemes of Grant Aid for the development of the Organic Sector	09 July 2009
Smith welcomes extension of Dairy Market Supports	10 July 2009
Smith confirms record number of REPS Participants to remain in Scheme	10 July 2009
Smith welcomes agreement to extend Intervention Schemes	13 July 2009
Minister emphasises the importance of food security in the climate change debate	13 July 2009
Minister Sargent announces appointment of Chair of new organic body Forás Orgánach	15 July 2009
Minister Welcomes Recognition by European Commission of Issues of Concern to Ireland in the Implementation of EID for Sheep	16 July 2009
Smith Officially Opens New Carbery Cheese Plant	16 July 2009
Smith announces reorganisation of Local Office Network	17 July 2009
New Agri-Environment Scheme from 2010	18 July 2009
DAFF Releases Results of 2008 National Residue Plan	20 July 2009
Minister Smith Announces Release of REPs 25% Payments	22 July 2009
Minister Smith Welcomes Change to Cheese Export Rules	23 July 2009
Minister Smith launches Public Consultation Process on the future of the CAP	27 July 2009
Minister Smith reiterates support for Irish Dairy Sector - Approval for Cheese Export Refunds	29 July 2009
Minister Sargent announces review of Organic Farming Scheme	29 July 2009
Minister Smith says Supermarkets' Responsibilities go beyond Consumers and Shareholders	30 July 2009

August

Title	Date
Minister Smith Invites Submissions on New Agri-Environment Scheme	10 August 2009
Department of Agriculture Invites Submissions on Organic Farming Scheme	17 August 2009
Smith calls again for further action on Dairy Prices	18 August 2009
Smith attends Virginia Show - Minister stresses critical importance for Ireland to be at the very centre of EU decision making	19 August 2009
Smith Rejects Misleading Claims and Calls for Yes to Lisbon	20 August 2009
Smith Extends REPS Slurry Spreading Period	24 August 2009
Minister Smith in Push by EU Ministers to Reduce Red-Tape for Farmers	25 August 2009
Smith Emphasises Central Role of Sustainable Food and Agriculture Policy in Addressing Global Challenges	25 August 2009
Milk Super Levy Situation	26 August 2009
Minister Killeen launches the Coford Publication 'Forest Fungi in Ireland'	28 August 2009
Minister Sargent names members of New Organic Group, Forás Orgánach	28 August 2009
Minister of State Killeen and Dr. Noel Cawley meet Fishermen in a series of meetings on the CFP Review	31 August 2009

September

Title	Date
Smith to Continue To Pressure Commission For Stronger Action To Deal With Dairy Price Difficulties	04 September 2009
Minister of State Killeen Delivers Opening Address to the 16th Annual European Forest Institute Conference, Dublin Castle	03 September 2009
Minister Smith Welcomes the Re-Opening of the Indonesian Market for Irish Beef	07 September 2009
Smith in EU move to support Dairy Farmers	08 September 2009
Minister Smith Announces Savings in the Region of €5 Million for Irish Farmers	08 September 2009
Equine Piroplasmosis Confirmed	08 September 2009
Smith Calls for Coherent Action on Food Security and Climate Change	15 September 2009
Minister Smith announces extension to period for spreading of Chemical Fertilisers	16 September 2009
Minister Launches Animal Welfare Guidelines for Managing Acutely Injured Livestock On Farm	17 September 2009
Minister Smith launches the 'Healthy Forests, Healthy People' Exhibition	17 September 2009
Minister Sargent Announces Outcome of Review of Organic Farming Scheme	18 September 2009
Smith Announces Seventh Milk Quota Trading Scheme	18 September 2009
Minister Smith Confirms Payments of €1 Billion under the Disadvantaged Areas and Single Payment Schemes	21 September 2009
Killeen Launches Forestry Information Programme for Cork	22 September 2009
Minister Sargent Welcomes Commencement of Organic Farming Courses	22 September 2009
Minister Smith allocates additional funding to Early Retirement Scheme	23 September 2009
Dairy Markets top list of issues discussed in Paris between Minister Smith and French Minister	24 September 2009
Minister Smith affirms the Government's commitment to ensuring that the Irish Dairy Sector reaches its full potential	29 September 2009
Milk Quota Allocated to 70 New Entrants to Dairying	30 September 2009
Influenza A/H1N1 2009 Confirmed in Pigs	30 September 2009

October

Title	Date
Killeen Welcomes 'Project Forest', an Educational Initiative	05 October 2009
Minister Smith Attends Special EU Meeting on Situation in the Milk Market	05 October 2009
Milk Super Levy Situation	06 October 2009
Minister Smith announces the establishment of a Dairy Consultative Group	07 October 2009
Killeen opens Federation of Irish Fishermen's (FIF) Seminar on the Review of the Common Fisheries Policy	09 October 2009
Minister Smith meets banks to discuss difficulties in Farming Sector	11 October 2009
Statement on IFA Tractor Protest	12 October 2009
Minister Smith Announces Relaxation of 'Green Cover' Requirements	12 October 2009
Minister Smith Confirms Payment Of Over €800 Million To Almost 114,000 Farmers In Single Farm Payment	14 October 2009
Minister of State Sargent Highlights Twin Challenges of Food Security and Climate Change	16 October 2009
Minister Smith Underlines His Commitment to Pig Sector and Emphasises Importance of Export Markets	16 October 2009
Minister Sargent Welcomes Commitment in Programme for Government to Support Organic Farming	16 October 2009
Minister Smith welcomes agreement by the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers on Milk Package	19 October 2009
Killeen welcomes new package on EU Fisheries Control to deliver a level playing field, tackle illegal fishing and rebuild fish stocks	20 October 2009
Minister of State Sargent awards good practice standard to 26 Farmers' Market	22 October 2009
Killeen Presents 2009 RDS/Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards	22 October 2009
Killeen welcomes start of major EU and International Fisheries Negotiations 26th to 30th October in Clonakilty	23 October 2009
Minister Smith Visits North Tipperary Agri-Food Companies	29 October 2009
Department Issues Advice on Liver Fluke	30 October 2009

November

Title	Date
Minister Smith Hails "Major Boost for Agricultural Education at Kildalton College"	02 November 2009
Killeen launches 'Woodspace' Exhibition at 'Plan Expo-Eco Build' Show	03 November 2009
Minister urges new direction for Irish Agri-Food Sector "New thinking is needed - more of the same will not be enough"	04 November 2009
Smith Highlights the Potential of the Food Sector to Contribute to Economic Reinvigoration	05 November 2009
Minister Smith publishes legislation to transfer commercial foreshore licensing to Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.	10 November 2009
Minister announces changes to Crop Variety Evaluation	11 November 2009
Minister Smith welcomes the re-opening of the United Arab Emirates Market to Irish Beef	15 November 2009
Minister Sargent calls for comprehensive global response to end world hunger - UN World Summit Rome 16-18 November 2009	17 November 2009
Payments Under New Upland Sheep Scheme to Commence	18 November 2009
North South Ministerial Council Agriculture Sectoral Format Joint Communiqué	18 November 2009
Killeen takes firm stance at EU Fisheries Council to protect the important mackerel quota for Irish fishermen	22 November 2009
Smith brings forward €85 Million in Agricultural Payments	24 November 2009
Minister Smith Announces Implementation of €2 Million for Targeted Fodder Aid Scheme	27 November 2009
Minister Smith Welcomes Proposed Appointment of New EU Commissioners	27 November 2009
Minister Smith visits flood affected areas in Galway	28 November 2009
€370 Million in Single Farm Payments to Commence Tomorrow	30 November 2009

December

Title	Date
Minister Smith Turns on RDS Christmas Tree Lights	01 December 2009
Minister Smith Presents RDS Pedigree Cattle Awards at the RDS	01 December 2009
Minister Smith Reminds Farmers to Return REPS 1C Forms	02 December 2009
Smith formally launches initiative of Irish Pesticide Industry	07 December 2009
Minister Smith Announces Distribution of Free Cheese to Help Less Well Off In Society	07 December 2009
Killeen Holds Urgent Meeting with EU Fisheries Commissioner to Demand a Fair Deal for Irish Fishermen in Difficult EU/Norway Negotiations being held this week	07 December 2009
Minister Smith announces support for major Dairy Research Sector - Milk quota allocations to help future-proof Irish Dairy Sector	07 December 2009
New Uplands Sheep Payments Issue	09 December 2009
"Budget Protects Farmers and Agri-Food Sector" - Minister Smith	09 December 2009
Suckler Welfare Scheme	11 December 2009
Minister welcomes committment of EU Farm Ministers to the Common Agricultural Policy	11 December 2009
Smith announces extension of closing date for Damaged Fodder Scheme	14 December 2009
Department Notes Publication of Special Report by the Ombudsman	14 December 2009
Killeen secures fair deal on quotas for Irish fishermen in difficult EU Fisheries negotations	16 December 2009
Unspent SPS funds to generate efficiencies in dairy sector	16 December 2009
Smith Welcomes Ireland's participation in the global research alliance on agricultural greenhouse gases	16 December 2009
Minister Smith urges caution on milk markets and calls for CAP simplification	16 December 2009
Minister Smith awards €1.185M in funding to 112 Animal Welfare Organisations	17 December 2009
Minister Smith Announces Grants of €20,000 for Cavan Animal Welfare Bodies	17 December 2009
Minister Sargent Announces €10,000 Grant to Irish Seal Sanctuary	17 December 2009
Minister Tony Killeen TD Announces Grants of €24,000 for Clare Animal Welfare Bodies	17 December 2009
Smith Gives Up-Date on REPS and Farm Waste Management Payments	22 December 2009
Smith Announces Results of Seventh Milk Quota Trading Scheme	22 December 2009
Discussions Intensify on New CAP says Smith	30 December 2009
Minister Smith Welcomes EU Approval for New NDC 'Milk In Action' Campaign	30 December 2009
Good Practice Standard Awarded to a Further 8 Farmers' Markets	30 December 2009