Irish agencies start Knowledge Transfer series of events
A series of events for Knowledge Transfer to farmers is to start in Ireland next week as a common initiative of Bord Bia and Teagasc. The two Irish agencies will support the local farmers in preparation for farm audits during a series of farm walk events in the coming months.
The first such event takes place in Ballina, Co. Mayo on July 23 on the farm of Fergal Doyle, Tubberavine, Lahardane, Co. Mayo, informs Bord Bia.
Securing the new markets is a complex task and a new research carried out by Bord Bia found that most retailers and foodservice providers across Europe want products that are part of a quality assurance scheme.
The events are meaning to show the Irish producers the importance of the Quality Assurance (QA) scheme and Origin Green programme in meeting the demands of food buyers and consumers for independently verified assurances around traceability, sustainability and animal welfare.
"This is hugely important and gives Irish farmers a real advantage because many are part of such a scheme, which validates what they do every day. International buyers and consumers today want assurances on a number of key issues such as animal welfare, traceability, production systems and sustainability claims, so involvement in quality and sustainability schemes really gives Irish farmers an edge and a connection with consumers.", said Mick Houlihan, Quality Assurance Manager at Bord Bia.
Farmers’ involvement in Bord Bia’s Quality Assurance and Sustainable Assurance schemes, including Origin Green, is strengthening Ireland’s reputation abroad as a world-class producer of food. The walks will provide farmers with greater insights to Bord Bia’s Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme (SBLAS) audit, emphasising the importance of audit compliance. The need for farmers to record medicine usage accurately is part of the audit requirements.
"From Teagasc’s point of view, we are delighted because Bord Bia is directly involved with promoting Irish beef as a premium product to markets abroad. This ties in very well with what we, in Teagasc, are doing also. Our clients are Bord Bia’s clients and, at the end of the day, we want to work with Bord Bia to help sell Irish beef at the highest level. We export 90 per cent of our beef, full traceability is so important and it is essential that any medicines used are recorded correctly", explained Aidan Murray, Teagasc beef specialist. Subsequent walks will take place in the next months on farms located in Donegal, South Tipperary, East Cork and Louth/Meath, according to a press release from Bord Bia.
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