Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine today officially opened the annual Limerick show at Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick.

Opening the show, which is the largest in Munster he congratulated the committee and all volunteers for putting on another excellent show which is a social highlight for urban and rural people throughout the county. "Agricultural shows are the highlight of the year for many people and a chance to see a huge range of the best local produce. They are an important social occasion and a good value family day out. There is a long tradition of healthy competition among farmers and food producers which helps improve standards and increase the value of output from the sector. Pedigree breeders in particular are continuously producing higher quality animals for our vital beef export markets", said the Minister.

The Minister also used the occasion to highlight progress made in the implementation of the Food Harvest 2020 strategy, which charts industry led growth for the Agrifood sector up to 2020. He said "I am delighted with how the industry and Government have collectively implemented the key elements of this plan. Significant progress has been made in a number of areas which will lead to the targeted increase in food exports of about 40%. Farm families and small food businesses have an integral part to play in helping refocus Agriculture as an integral part of economic recovery which is now under way".

The Minister praised the organising committee and many volunteers for another successful two day show. He also took the opportunity of congratulating all the competitors and winners at the show and wished all visitors to the show and enjoyable day.

Date Released: 28 August 2011

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