THE importance of farming in an environmentally friendly way was highlighted yesterday by the Minister for Agriculture when he presented the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) Family Farm of the Year awards in Dublin.
The winners of the £3,000 first prize were John and Elaine Sweeney, of Pouleigh, Shanballymore, Mallow, Co Cork, who till 84 acres on a farm described as being of the highest class in both efficiency and environmental terms.
Mr Bill Shanahan, president of the ASA, said that farmers now had more of an incentive than ever to play a leading role in protecting the countryside.
On Wednesday, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Jimmy Deenihan, announced that a further 11 projects had been approved under the Agri Tourism Scheme, which is part of the Department's operational programme for agriculture, rural tourism and forestry and is part funded by the EU.
The investment in these projects brings the total commitment by the applicants in the programme to about £10 million, with a total grant of £3.96 million.
Mr Yates said that 66 of the projects involved on farm leisure activities, which would make a significant contribution to the development of alternative farm enterprises.