IFA Aquaculture Conference 2022
Addressing the IFA Aquaculture conference in Westport in Mayo on the 7th April, IFA President Tim Cullinan said aquaculture has a vital part to play at a time of the greatest need for sustainable food production, through the development of sustainable Irish aquaculture.
He said, “This must be underpinned by a commitment to implement all recommendations of the Independent Aquaculture Licensing Review and the implementation of suitable policy to develop the Irish aquaculture sector laid out in the ‘Seafood Taskforce Recommendations’.” The IFA President said appropriate funding must also be made available to provide the resources necessary to make a viable, sustainable Irish aquaculture sector a reality.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine Charlie McConalogue also addressed the conference virtually from Luxembourg. The Minister expressed strong support the Irish aquaculture sector and outlined progress in licensing administration, seaweed development, and the recommendations of the Seafood Taskforce report. A grant scheme for aquaculture funded by the Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund is progressing through the EU Commission with hopes of positive news on this front in the coming weeks.
This was the first time members of all aquaculture sectors have been able to meet in person in two years with a strong attendance of over 120 delegates with very positive engagement between the industry, DAFM officials, and state agencies throughout the day. Earlier in the day, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) hosted its bi-annual mussel industry workshop at the same venue including presentations and discussions which addressed the priorities of the upcoming European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
On the following day, Friday April 8th, a practical demonstration on the monitoring of invasive species for shellfish exporters was also held, which included a site visit to a Blackshell Farm Ltd. facility, rounding up a very successful event on the shores of Clew Bay.
Videos & Presentations from the Day
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine Charlie McConalogue address to the IFA Aquaculture Conference 2022
Utilising new technologies to reduce farm risk- what does the future hold?
Damien Toner – Development & Innovation BIM
IFA Aquaculture AGM presentation, 7th April 2022, IFA Aquaculture Conference
Teresa Morrissey – IFA Aquaculture Executive
European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), NSPSA and Grant Schemes
BIM