2010 - Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine

January

Title	Date
Minister Sargent Relaunches Organic Farming Scheme	06 January 2010
Minister Smith confirms payments of €190 million under the Farm Waste Management Scheme start today	13 January 2010
Smith Presents Advanced Certificates in Agriculture	15 January 2010
Minister Smith Calls for Fair Play for a Better Functioning Food Supply Chain	18 January 2010
Minister Sargent Announces Grant Aid Scheme for Horticulture Growers 2010	19 January 2010
Minister Smith publishes report of Inter-Agency Review Group established to examine the Dioxin Contamination Incident	19 January 2010
Minister Smith Confirms Approval of Revised Rural Development Programme	20 January 2010
Ministers Smith & Killeen visit Marine Institute to review 2010 Work Programme	22 January 2010
Minister Sargent encourages Producers and Public to vote to decide new EU Organic Logo - On-line voting deadline is January 31st	22 January 2010
Minister Smith announces payments under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme	26 January 2010
Minister Smith announces re-opening of Russian Market to Irish Pigmeat	26 January 2010
Minister Killeen today welcomed the conclusion of EU/Norway consultations on Fisheries in Brussels yesterday which gives long term stability for the Mackerel Stock	27 January 2010
Cruelty and Neglect of Horses "Regrettable and Unacceptable" - Minister Smith	29 January 2010
"A Good Week for the Irish Pig and Pigmeat Industry" - Minister Smith	29 January 2010

February

Title	Date
Smith Urges Dairy Farmers to Participate in Dairy Efficiency Programme	01 February 2010
Department Surveys Computer Usage	03 February 2010
Minister announces Nitrates Derogation Requirements for 2010	03 February 2010
Minister Smith announces Financial Assistance towards losses due to Frost Damage	03 February 2010
Minister Smith Confirms Arrangements for Dealing with Farm Retirement Scheme Applications	05 February 2010
Minister Smith meets with MEPS on Future of CAP	05 February 2010
Minister Smith Announces New Bioenergy Scheme for Willow and Miscanthus	08 February 2010
Minister Smith welcomes 290 International Buyers, 85 Irish Buyers & 160 Irish Food and Drink Companies to Bord Bia "Marketplace Ireland 2010" Event	09 February 2010
Minister Smith announces the setting up of an Inheritance Enquiry Unit as part of ongoing Customer Service Support	09 February 2010
Minister Sargent Welcomes Service Agreement with New Organic Certification Body	10 February 2010
Minister Smith Addresses the Professional Agricultural Contractors Association	13 February 2010
Smith Launches 2020 Strategy	16 February 2010
Opening of 2010 SPS iNet: Single Payment Scheme On-Line Application Facility	17 February 2010
Minister Smith decides on allocation of €11.5 million Dairy Compensation Measure	22 February 2010
Smith Meets New EU Agriculture Commissioner	22 February 2010
Statement by Brendan Smith TD, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food	23 February 2010
Killeen Launches Ireland's Proposal on the Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy	23 February 2010
Minister Smith announces NDP Support for Cattle and Sheep Breeding Initiatives	24 February 2010
Smith signals further support for new entrants to Dairying - Allocation of second milk quota increase under Health Check agreement	24 February 2010
Launch of Booklet on Code of Practice for the Welfare of Pigs	25 February 2010
Smith Calls For Joined-up Approach to Tackle Hunger and Climate Change at OECD Ministerial in Paris	25 February 2010
Killeen announces New Support Schemes for Fisheries Sector involving €1.8M aid in 2010	26 February 2010
Minister Smith says Viable Returns to Farmers Key to Future World Food Production	26 February 2010

March

Title	Date
Smith announces National Aujeszky's Disease Control and Eradication Programme	01 March 2010
Farmers Markets invited to sign up to Good Code Practice	01 March 2010
Minister Smith Marks National Tree Week	08 March 2010
Killeen Launches Forestry Review	09 March 2010
Minister Smith calls for improvement in functioning of Food Chain - Focus changing to a 'fork-to-farm' approach	11 March 2010
Minister Smith announces payments under Dairy Compensation Fund	15 March 2010
Minister of State Killeen highlights risk of Forest Fires	15 March 2010
Agri-Food Sector will play Key Role in Economic Recovery - Smith	16 March 2010
Smith announces results of eight Milk Quota Trading Scheme	22 March 2010
Minister Smith Welcomes The Forthcoming Visit of Commissioner Dalli	24 March 2010
Minister Smith welcomes European Council recognition of the role of Agriculture	26 March 2010
Minister Connick meets EU Fisheries Commissioner	28 March 2010
Minister Smith Announces €10 Million in Food Aid for the Hungry Poor	28 March 2010
Smith launches new €50 Million Agri-Environment Options Scheme	30 March 2010
Seolann Smith Scéim Nua Um Roghanna Comhshaoil-Talmhaíochta Ar Chostas €50 Millún	30 March 2010
Appointments to Bord Bia	31 March 2010
Minister Smith announces issuing of 2010 Single Payment Application Forms	31 March 2010
Minister Smith announces details of the 2010 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve	31 March 2010

April

Title	Date
Minister Smith announces outcome of 13th North-South Ministerial Council	01 April 2010
Minister Smith Launches €54 Million Grassland Sheep Scheme	07 April 2010
National Aujesky's Disease Control and Eradication Programme	12 April 2010
Minister of State Connick Announces Payment of Annual Forestry Premiums	12 April 2010
Minister Smith calls for "Coherent Animal Health Policy" - New legislation to significantly increase penalties for animal welfare offenders.	12 April 2010
Minister Smith Welcomes The Re-Opening Of The Tunisian Market To Irish Beef	13 April 2010
Spring 2010 Parasitic Disease Forecast	14 April 2010
Agriculture Commissioner accepts Minister Smith's invitation to visit Ireland	15 April 2010
Minister Smith highlights the importance of Farm Health and Safety	15 April 2010
Minister Smith announces plans for Simplification for Cattle Records	21 April 2010
Minister Smith opens 'Healthy People, Healthy Forests' Exhibition in Clones	23 April 2010
Connick reminds Farmers and Landowners of the risks of Forest Fires	26 April 2010
Minister launches Burren LIFE - Farming for Conservation Programme	26 April 2010
Minister Connick visits Irish Exhibitors at European Seafood Expo	27 April 2010
Census of Agriculture 2010	28 April 2010
Changes to TB Test Rules on cattle being accepted at Slaughter Premises	28 April 2010
Minister Smith emphasises the Importance for Investment in Agri-Food and Fisheries Sciences Research	29 April 2010
Minister Smith Launches APHA Veterinary Medicines Compendium	29 April 2010

May

Title	Date
Minister Smith Presents the National Hall of Fame Awards	02 May 2010
Connick sets out Ireland's priorities for the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy at the Informal Fisheries Council in Vigo	04 May 2010
Smith says Food and Drink Industry has "Key role to play in Ireland's Economic Recovery"	06 May 2010
Minister Cuffe alerts farmers to 17 May 2010 deadline for Applications for Organic Farming Scheme	06 May 2010
Minister Cuffe announces grant aid of €3.8M for Horticulture Growers	10 May 2010
Minister Smith warns Farmers against importing Cattle or Sheep from Bluetongue Affected Areas	10 May 2010
Minister Smith calls for discussion of Mercosur at EU Agriculture Council	12 May 2010
Minister Smith reminds farmers of the coming deadline for the receipt of applications under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme and other Direct Payment Schemes	12 May 2010
Smith says "CAP must ensure security of Food Supply and maintain Family Farming in Europe"	12 May 2010
"Ireland's Agriculture Sector has played a very significant role in reducing national emissions" - Smith	12 May 2010
Minister Smith in China for Irish Food Exhibition at SIAL China and Meeting with Chinese Agriculture Minister	17 May 2010
Minister Connick attends the Irish National Hunt Awards, Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co. Limerick, Sunday 16th May	17 May 2010
Minister Connick announces award of €3 Million for Forestry research	17 May 2010
Minister of State Connick announces opening of Forest Road Scheme during visit to Smartply Waterford	17 May 2010
Farmers Charter Monitoring Committee	19 May 2010
Minister reminds farmers of closing date for receipt of Amendment Forms under 2010 Single Payment Scheme	19 May 2010
Minister Smith appoints two New Directors to the Board of the Irish National Stud	19 May 2010
Smith confirms Resumption of Pork Trade with China - Immediate potential for €20 million in trade for Irish Pork	21 May 2010
Minister Connick launches New Irish Fishing Fleet Safety Scheme - Safety at Sea - A Key Focus for New Fisheries Minister	24 May 2010
Smith emphasises need for "Creation of long-term sustainability in Agri-food sector - Irelands most important indigenous sector"	28 May 2010
Smith highlights significance of Forestry Processing Sector	28 May 2010
Milk Quota allocated to 73 new entrants to Dairying - Smith announces allocation of 14 million litres under 2010 New Entrants Scheme	31 May 2010
Reminder Census of Agriculture 2010	31 May 2010

June

Title	Date
Minister Smith calls for the future CAP to support farm incomes, encourage competitiveness and innovation and promote sustainability	02 June 2010
Further 5 Farmers Markets awarded Good Practice Standard - 39 Markets signed up since launch at Bloom 2009	03 June 2010
Food to play major part in economic recovery - Smith	04 June 2010
Minister of State Sean Connick T.D. visits Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre to view ongoing harbour development works and meet a range of fishing and aquaculture industry groups in West Cork	09 June 2010
"Food Matters Hugely to Ireland" - Smith	09 June 2010
Minister Smith meets with Killybegs Fishermen and Donegal Factory Owners	11 June 2010
Minister Smith welcomes EU proposal on funding for Bord Bia More to Mushrooms promotion	14 June 2010
Aujeszky's Disease Control and Eradication Programme - Ban on use of Aujeszky's Disease Vaccine	14 June 2010
Minister Cuffe welcomes the 2010 Teagasc Organic Farm Walks Programme	16 June 2010
Minister Smith confirms delegation of functions to Ministers of State Connick and Cuffe	16 June 2010
Smith launches two new €29 Million Welfare Schemes for Pigs Farmers and Poultry Producers	16 June 2010
Minister Smith welcomes visiting Italian Food Students and emphasises importance of Irish Food Industry	23 June 2010
Smith highlights Agriculture Sector's "Significant contribution to reducing National Emissions"	24 June 2010
New Farmers Market in Cavan Town opened by Minister Smith	25 June 2010
Minister Connick opens Fish Ireland 2010 in Killybegs	25 June 2010
Minister Smith Opens Sheep 2010 Event at UCD Lyons Research Farm	26 June 2010
Minister Connick opens Farmers Harbour Market at Dunmore East Food Festival and empahsises importance of Irish Seafood Industry	27 June 2010
Minister Smith to introduce New Legislation on Horse Passports	29 June 2010
Minister Connick's initiative on Mackerel receives broad support at EU Fisheries Council	29 June 2010
Minister Smith welcomes the resumption of trade in breeding pigs to South Korea	30 June 2010

July

Title	Date
Minister Cuffe welcomes new EU organic symbol	01 July 2010
Minister Smith confirms intention to amend Greyhound Industries Act 1958	02 July 2010
Connick opens meeting of European National Forest Research Institutes	05 July 2010
Minister announces €1M funding to improve Cattle & Sheep Breeding	06 July 2010
Connick launches RDS-Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards 2010	06 July 2010
Appointment to An Bord Bia	08 July 2010
Smith praises key role of Irish Countrywomen's Association in Irish society	09 July 2010
Minister Smith meets EU Agriculture and Trade Commissioners	12 July 2010
Smith meets EU Commissioner on CAP	12 July 2010
Minister Smith Launches Innovation Funding for Food Industry	13 July 2010
Minister Smith visits the Annual Open Day of the Backweston Crop Variety Evaluation Centre	13 July 2010
Minister Smith meets EU Trade Commissioner, Mr Karel De Gucht on Mercosur Trade Talks	14 July 2010
Minister Smith welcomes Public Service Excellence Award for his Department	14 July 2010
Speech by Brendan Smith T.D. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food at the launch of Food Harvest 2020, 19 July 2010	20 July 2010
DAFF releases results of 2009 National Residue Plan	20 July 2010
Minister Smith welcomes the resumption of Trade in Live Cattle and Beef to Morocco and in Sheep Meat to Tunisia	22 July 2010
Minister Smith welcomes thoroughbred industry response to Equine Health Risks	22 July 2010
Clonakilty Enterprise wins major contract from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food	23 July 2010
Ministers Smith and Connick deliver innovative new strategies to capture the potential of Irish Seafood Industry	23 July 2010
Minister Smith Attends Launch Night of the Tullow Agricultural Show in The Tara Arms Hotel	23 July 2010
Minister Smith in Poland and Hungary for talks on the future of CAP	27 July 2010
Minister Cuffe announces increased funding for Honey Bee Research	26 July 2010
Minister seeks EU Commission's approval for advance payment of Single Farm Payment	27 July 2010
Ministers announce the establishment of Nitrates Review Expert Advisory Group	27 July 2010
Minister Smith Meets Polish Minister	28 July 2010
Minister Smith meets with Hungarian Minister on CAP	29 July 2010
Smith to head Food Harvest 2020 Implementation Group	31 July 2010
Connick opens "Healthy People, Healthy Forests" Exhibition in Callan	31 July 2010

August

Title	Date
Minister Smith attends the Dublin Horse Show in the RDS	06 August 2010
Smith welcomes improved outlook for Farm Income	08 August 2010
Smith Opens Ballinamore Agricultural Show	10 August 2010
Smith Launches The Oldcastle Agricultural Show	13 August 2010
Disease found in Japanese Larch Trees in Ireland	17 August 2010
Minister Smith confirms opening of €8 Million Sheep Fencing and Mobile Handling Scheme	18 August 2010
Minister Smith Opens 86th Annual Connemara Pony Breeders Show	19 August 2010
Minister Smith welcomes raising of age limit for BSE testing regarding beef exports to Russia	30 August 2010

September

Title	Date
Smith launches 79th National Ploughing Championships	06 September 2010
Smith launches Beef Expo Ireland 2010	07 September 2010
Farm Animal Welfare Council advice on Horse Welfare	07 September 2010
Minister Smith to convene and chair Food Harvest 2020 Implementation Group	10 September 2010
Minister Smith congratulates HRI chief executive on election as chairman of European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation	10 September 2010
Minister Smith Emphasises Importance of Cattle Traceability System	10 September 2010
Minister Cuffe opens Portumna Forest Picnic at start of National Organic Week	12 September 2010
Minister Cuffe addresses National Organic Conference during National Organic Week	16 September 2010
Minister Smith welcomes 'Strong recovery in the value of Irish Food and Drink Exports'	16 September 2010
Minister Smith announces detail of €1.5 Billion in Direct Payments to Farmers this Year	20 September 2010
Connick Presents Certificates Under New Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Scheme	21 September 2010
Minister Smith addresses EU Farm Council on the future of the CAP	21 September 2010
Connick launches Forestry Campaign at the National Ploughing Championships	21 September 2010
Approvals Issue Under New Environment Scheme	22 September 2010
Minister Smith Announces EU Approval for 50% Advance Payment on the 2010 Single Farm Payment	22 September 2010
Minister Smith Welcomes Report on Technology Adoption and Usage by Farmers	22 September 2010
Minister Smith Launches Department's '2010 - 2011 Schemes and Services' Booklet	22 September 2010
€1.75 Million boost for Irish Seafood Processing & Aquaculture Companies	24 September 2010
Connick Leads Strong EU Criticism of Unsustainable Mackerel Fishing by Iceland and Faroes, Totalling Over 200,000 Tonnes	27 September 2010
Minister welcomes Positive Report on Milk Market	27 September 2010
Earlier Payment Date for Balancing Payments under 2010 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme	29 September 2010
EU Agriculture Commissioner to visit Ireland	30 September 2010

October

Title	Date
Minister Smith has talks with the EU Agriculture Commissioner on the future of the CAP	01 October 2010
Minister Smith visits Dundalk Race Course	01 October 2010
Connick opens "Growing Woodlands-Enhancing Our Lives" Series of Events in Lough Key Forest Park	03 October 2010
Minister Smith launches new Climate Model which charts the course of climate change on rivers in Mayo	04 October 2010
Smith Officially Opens New Lakelands Milk Drying Plant	04 October 2010
Minister Smith Opens New Embryo Transfer Facility	04 October 2010
Minister Brendan Smith pays tribute to the late Moss Keane	05 October 2010
Minister of State Sean Connick announces funding of Local Authority Projects under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2010	05 October 2010
Minister Smith announces major dairy initiatives	06 October 2010
Connick highlights National Tree Day as he launches Model Timber Sales System	07 October 2010
Smith and Connick sign accord with Newfoundland on Marine Research	08 October 2010
Minister Smith marks National Tree Day	08 October 2010
Minister Smith stresses contribution that Beef Industry can make to Economic Recovery	10 October 2010
Minister Smith meets German Minister for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection	12 October 2010
Minister Smith announces payments in excess of Half a Billion Euros next week under the 2010 Single Payment and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme	13 October 2010
Connick meets Minister Gildernew, NI Fisheries Minister to identify Priority Fisheries Issues for the Autumn	13 October 2010
Food Security Meeting in Rome highlights plight of World's Hungry	14 October 2010
Minister of State Cuffe emphasises role of Climate Change and Food Security on World Food Day	15 October 2010
Composition of Dairy Expansion Activation Group Finalised	15 October 2010
France Still The Leading Continental Export Market For Irish Food And Drink - Smith Congratulates Bulmer's Pear Win At Sial Trade Fair In Paris	18 October 2010
Minister Launches Research Call and Research Newsletter	18 October 2010
Connick Announces Financial Approvals for Autumn Forestry Planting	21 October 2010
Minister Stresses Crucial Role of Co-Operatives	21 October 2010
Smith Officially opens Department's New Regional Office at Drumshanbo	22 October 2010
Minister of State Sean Connick's address to Macra Na Feirme's Annual Conference on 22nd October 2010	22 October 2010
Minister Smith opens new Limerick Greyhound Stadium	22 October 2010
Minister Smith draws attention of Farming Sector to European Farm Safety Week 2010	25 October 2010
Minister Connick sets down strong opposition to Ireland transferring fish quotas to Norway to pay for fishing opportunities for other Member States	26 October 2010
Minister Smith Reassures Farmers On The Continuing Flow Of Farm Payments and Strongly Rejects Criticism of Payment Schedule	27 October 2010
Minister Smith looks forward to an increased use of Information Technology (IT) in Farming and Rural Communities	28 October 2010
Minister Smith opens "Healthy People, Healthy Forests" Exhibition at the site of the Battle of the Boyne	29 October 2010

November

Title	Date
Minister Smith confirms commencement of €8 Million Sheep Fencing/Mobile Handling Equipment Scheme	01 November 2010
Minister Smith Assures Farmers Department Continuing to Process Payments	03 November 2010
Gormley and Smith set out details of Ireland's 2nd NAP	03 November 2010
Smith announces Special Scheme to help People in Need this Christmas	05 November 2010
Connick Announces Funding for Innovative Environmental Scheme to Clear New Ross Marina of Debris	05 November 2010
Minister Sean Connick T.D. Announces Grant Aid Support for 129 Fisheries Projects Right Around the Coast	05 November 2010
Minister Smith Attends The European Federation of Food Science and Technology Conference	10 November 2010
Minister Smith Announces Significant Changes in Brucellosis Testing for 2011	10 November 2010
Minister Smith Confirms Further Progress on 2010 Single Farm Payments	10 November 2010
Statement by Brendan Smith TD, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries And Food To The Dail On The ECA Report on Sugar Reform	11 November 2010
Minister Smith Announces 2011 Bioenergy Scheme for Willow and Miscanthus	16 November 2010
Minister Smith Responds to Commission Communication on the CAP	18 November 2010
Minister Smith Urges Agri-Food Industry To Think Green, Act Smart, and Embrace Innovation in all its Guises	19 November 2010
Connick Visits Dingle Fishery Harbour Centre	19 November 2010
Smith Welcomes Progress By Animal Health Ireland	23 November 2010
Minister Welcomes Renewal of Nitrates Derogation	23 November 2010
Minister announces Balancing Payments under the 2010 Single Farm Payment	24 November 2010
Minister Connick Discusses Issues of Shared Interest on Fishing and Aquaculture with the Norwegian State Secretary for Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, Mr Vidar Ulriksen	24 November 2010
Minister Cuffe welcomes Bord Bia's review of National Organic Week 2010	25 November 2010
Minister of State Connick opens Enhanced Forest Recreational Facilities at Belleek Forest, Co. Mayo	26 November 2010
Minister Smith Emphasises Need for Strong and Adequately Resourced Common Agriculture Policy which "Must be Reflected in the New EU Financial Framework"	29 November 2010
Minister Connick Takes Strong Position at EU Council Level on Transfer of Fish Quotas to Norway	29 November 2010
Minister Connick Welcomes the EU Commission Focus on Aquaculture Development	30 November 2010
Minister Cuffe Announces Composition of Horticulture Action Group	30 November 2010

December

Title	Date
Single Farm Payment Scheme Minister Confirms Balancing Payments Have Commenced	01 December 2010
Connick Welcomes EU/Norway Fisheries Deal for 2011 - No Irish Western Horse Mackerel or Blue Whiting transferred to Norway in the deal	07 December 2010
Budget Recognises Key Role of Agri-Food Sector in Economic Recovery - Minister Smith	07 December 2010
Connick Welcomes Budgetary Allocation for Forestry Programme	09 December 2010
Smith Highlights The Importance Of The French Market To Ireland's Food And Drink Industry	09 December 2010
2010 A Better Year for Farm Incomes	10 December 2010
Department Issues Advice on Liver Fluke	13 December 2010
Minister Smith Publishes Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2010	13 December 2010
Minister Connick Delivers Quotas Worth €223 Million for Irish Fishermen in 2011	15 December 2010
Minister Smith Welcomes Continued Progress in Farm Payments	06 December 2010
Minister Smith Announces the Commencement of REPS 4 Payments	15 December 2010
Minister of State Connick Launches "Stopping By Woods - A Guide To The Forests And Woodlands Of Ireland"	16 December 2010
Smith Announces Results of Ninth Milk Quota Trading Scheme	20 December 2010
Smith Urges Dairy Farmers to Reap Discussion Group Dividend	20 December 2010
Minister Smith provides update on payments under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme	22 December 2010
Minister Connick welcomes improvement in sea lice management on salmon farms	22 December 2010
Solid Export Achievements by Food Companies in 2010 - Says Smith	30 December 2010
Minister Smith confirms payment of additional €100 Million under Farm Waste Management Scheme	31 December 2010