Burke meets local business people at the Ploughing

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, TD, was one of 75,000 to attend the 2024 National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, yesterday Tuesday, the first day of the event.

At the Fine Gael tent, Minister Burke participated in a panel discussion alongside Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Martin Heydon, and Cork councillor, John Paul O’Shea. They answered questions on farming, the nitrates derogation and mental health.

He also met a number of local businesses who were trading at the event, KC Sports, Watt Footprint, Fore Distillery, Lough Ree Distillery and TAPiTAG, before presenting prizes at the Innovation Arena Awards.

“I was proud to see such a strong representation of local businesses at the Ploughing, all of whom are at the top of their game and who recognise the fantastic promotional opportunity that this event offers each year,” said Minister Burke.

“It was also great to present prizes to the winners at the Innovation Arena. I was really impressed by the high level of competition on display, driving farming practices in Ireland forward and leading to export of product and services to worldwide markets.

“I know there are many stakeholders attending the show and it is a great opportunity to see what’s new on the market, what is up and coming and what solutions have been found to farming problems. Innovation at it’s best.

“While it has been a difficult year for farming with the weather and costs rising, Fine Gael are committed to working with farmers to keep our rural economy strong through a thriving agricultural sector,” the minister said.