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Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, today welcomed the holding of the 17th International Nitrogen Workshop in Ireland for the first time.

The Minister said “I am very pleased that my Department has been able to part fund this important workshop which is being jointly hosted by Teagasc and the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute, Northern Ireland (AFBI)”. The workshop, which is expected to draw up to 350 international scientists and policy makers, will be held in the Wexford Opera House from 26th to 29th of June 2012. Previous Workshops, which are held every two to three years, have taken place in various European countries, with the first event taking place in the UK in 1982. The Workshops have made a significant contribution to understanding the sustainable use of nitrogen resources and the lowering of nitrates emissions.

The Minister went on to say “It is essential that we use scientific methods and international best practice to achieve the targets set out in Food Harvest 2020 in a sustainable, cost efficient manner that ensures the ongoing protection of the environment”.

The 17th International Nitrogen Workshop will focus on optimising nitrogen use with the background of rising fertiliser prices and its future role in the development of a secure and sustainable food production industry. In conclusion, the Minister said “Irish Agriculture must be at the forefront of innovation and scientific developments to maintain Ireland’s international image and reputation for producing top quality food in an environmentally friendly manner”