Controversy over biofuels grows

New research suggests that nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions associated with growing some biofuel crops, may be much greater than previously thought and could be high enough to outweigh the potential CO2 savings associated with biofuels.

Irish far more informed about CAP than any other EU citizens

Almost one-quarter of Irish people claim to know exactly what the EU's Common Agricultural Policy is, according to the results of an EU-wide poll examining the attitudes of citizens to agriculture and the CAP.

Minister Wallace addresses ACA conference

Ms Mary Wallace T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with responsibility for Forestry, addressed the Agricultural Consultants Association at its AGM in the Hudson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

Winners of JFC Innovation Awards announced

The overall winner of the JFC Innovation Award for Rural Business is Ralph Haslam of Mossfield Organic Farm, in County Offaly.

Agriculture can speed or slow climate change - report

Organic fertilizers can significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions if used properly, according to a new scientific report.

Difficulties over REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments resolved

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mary Coughlan T.D. - in discussions in Brussels with Commissioner Fischer Boel - obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland could continue as before in paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year.

New FEPS a major boost for the planting programme - Wallace

The Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Mary Wallace TD, has announced a number of significant changes to the Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS).

Minister of State Wallace opens National Bioenergy Conference

Ms. Mary Wallace T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, officially opened the National Bioenergy conference in Tullamore, County Offaly.

IFA welcomes higher price for renewable energy production

IFA National Environment Committee Chairman, Mr. Pat Farrell has welcomed a recent announcement by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to provide a start-up grant and a higher electricity price for renewable energy production.

REPS payment delays must be immediately resolved

IFA President Padraig Walshe has described the REPS payment debacle as totally unacceptable and he called on Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan to resolve the matter.