Menu
22/09/2022
Poots Attends National Ploughing Championships For First Time
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has attended the National Ploughing Championships (NPC) in Ratheniska, Co Laois, for the first time.
Now in its 91st year, the NPC is Ireland's largest agricultural event, with expected attendance of approximately 300,000 visitors, 1,700 exhibitors and just over 300 competitors.
During his visit, the Minister met with a range of Northern Ireland companies, exhibitors and visitors and met a number of dignitaries.
Speaking about his visit, Minister Poots said: "This is the first time I have attended the Championships and one could not fail to be impressed by the vast scale of this event. It is fundamentally a ploughing competition, which is truly and rightly recognised on the international map as a major competition, attracting world class ploughmen. I wish all the competitors, especially those from Northern Ireland, best wishes.
"The event is of course very beneficial for Northern Ireland companies and visitors.
"From walking around and meeting people, particularly NI exhibitors (approximately 90 in attendance) and competitors, it is clear to see and hear the benefits of trading and showcasing the best of NI businesses, agri products and our excellent food produce, to a wide and varied audience.
"The Event provides unique opportunities to promote Northern Ireland's agri-food and rural sectors to a large audience from across Ireland and further afield. There will also be a display of local food produce from Northern Ireland within the DAERA exhibition stand.
The Minister continued: "We intend to continue to build NI's reputation for excellent produce. In October 2021, I helped launch FoodNI's 'Our Food, Power of Good' campaign, to promote the good of our local industry, our quality produce and our sustainability in terms of production and reputation of the food that is produced on local farms in NI. My Department will also continue to explore new market opportunities in partnership with others.
"I am also very pleased that CAFRE is back with us here at the Ploughing Championships. My Department has a strong commitment to developing the knowledge and skills of the local agri-food industry – both for those that are entering the industry and those well established and who wish to develop further. I firmly believe that educational attainment is linked to the economic success of our industry."
Now in its 91st year, the NPC is Ireland's largest agricultural event, with expected attendance of approximately 300,000 visitors, 1,700 exhibitors and just over 300 competitors.
During his visit, the Minister met with a range of Northern Ireland companies, exhibitors and visitors and met a number of dignitaries.
Speaking about his visit, Minister Poots said: "This is the first time I have attended the Championships and one could not fail to be impressed by the vast scale of this event. It is fundamentally a ploughing competition, which is truly and rightly recognised on the international map as a major competition, attracting world class ploughmen. I wish all the competitors, especially those from Northern Ireland, best wishes.
"The event is of course very beneficial for Northern Ireland companies and visitors.
"From walking around and meeting people, particularly NI exhibitors (approximately 90 in attendance) and competitors, it is clear to see and hear the benefits of trading and showcasing the best of NI businesses, agri products and our excellent food produce, to a wide and varied audience.
"The Event provides unique opportunities to promote Northern Ireland's agri-food and rural sectors to a large audience from across Ireland and further afield. There will also be a display of local food produce from Northern Ireland within the DAERA exhibition stand.
The Minister continued: "We intend to continue to build NI's reputation for excellent produce. In October 2021, I helped launch FoodNI's 'Our Food, Power of Good' campaign, to promote the good of our local industry, our quality produce and our sustainability in terms of production and reputation of the food that is produced on local farms in NI. My Department will also continue to explore new market opportunities in partnership with others.
"I am also very pleased that CAFRE is back with us here at the Ploughing Championships. My Department has a strong commitment to developing the knowledge and skills of the local agri-food industry – both for those that are entering the industry and those well established and who wish to develop further. I firmly believe that educational attainment is linked to the economic success of our industry."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 August 2019
Local Culinary Delights To Be Showcased To The World
The finest selection of local food and drink produce is to be celebrated over the coming months as part of Tourism NI's 'Taste the Island' campaign. Over 150 experiences feature in the programme for September, October and November that aims to shine a spotlight on the superb culinary experiences available in Northern Ireland.
Local Culinary Delights To Be Showcased To The World
The finest selection of local food and drink produce is to be celebrated over the coming months as part of Tourism NI's 'Taste the Island' campaign. Over 150 experiences feature in the programme for September, October and November that aims to shine a spotlight on the superb culinary experiences available in Northern Ireland.
03 September 2001
Northern Ireland footballers produce a draw in Denmark
Norwich City’s Philip Mulryne scored his third international goal to earn Northern Ireland a credible 1-1 draw against Denmark in Saturday’s World Cup qualifying game.
Northern Ireland footballers produce a draw in Denmark
Norwich City’s Philip Mulryne scored his third international goal to earn Northern Ireland a credible 1-1 draw against Denmark in Saturday’s World Cup qualifying game.
02 September 2004
Prince Charles attends World Ploughing Contest opening
Prince Charles has attended today's official opening ceremony of the 51st World Ploughing Contest being staged in Ballykelly. During his visit, the Prince of Wales was introduced to representatives from the 28 competing countries and observed both modern and more traditional ploughing methods.
Prince Charles attends World Ploughing Contest opening
Prince Charles has attended today's official opening ceremony of the 51st World Ploughing Contest being staged in Ballykelly. During his visit, the Prince of Wales was introduced to representatives from the 28 competing countries and observed both modern and more traditional ploughing methods.
29 August 2003
Top award for NI ploughman
Two Northern Ireland entrants at this year's World Ploughing Contest have been praised for their efforts. The 50th World Ploughing Contest, which was held in Ontario, Canada, saw Magherafelt man, David Wright lift a 'Golden Plough' award whilst David Gill from Hillsborough came sixth overall in the competition.
Top award for NI ploughman
Two Northern Ireland entrants at this year's World Ploughing Contest have been praised for their efforts. The 50th World Ploughing Contest, which was held in Ontario, Canada, saw Magherafelt man, David Wright lift a 'Golden Plough' award whilst David Gill from Hillsborough came sixth overall in the competition.
25 September 2007
Gildernew Visits National Ploughing Championships
Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (DARD) Minister Michelle Gildernew made a visit to the National Ploughing Championships in Co Offaly today.
Gildernew Visits National Ploughing Championships
Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (DARD) Minister Michelle Gildernew made a visit to the National Ploughing Championships in Co Offaly today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
