As more and more construction workers are pulled back to rural areas to undertake farm labour, the NI Agriculture Minister has reaffirmed her commitment to the Rural Development Plan.

Michelle Gildernew visited this week's County Fermanagh Farming Society's Annual Agricultural Show, the last show in this year's Agricultural Show Calendar.

Speaking at the show the Ms Gildernew said: "I am always overwhelmed by the large numbers of enthusiastic people who turn up to work exceedingly hard at these agricultural shows and without these people such Shows could not function."

-- Advertisement --

"These shows also offer a strong sense of hope for the future, particularly when I look at the amount of work that livestock exhibitors put into the preparation and training of their prize animals for these shows. Taking part in the show cuts across all age-groups and is a great way to encourage interest in farming amongst our young people."

The Minister also visited the Department's exhibition which focuses on the new Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013.

The Programme provides advice, mentoring and training for farmers and their families and it supports a wide range of projects including farm modernisation, business creation, environment and countryside schemes and diversification.

The Minister concluded: "The RDP provides opportunities to build a more sustainable rural economy and improve the quality of local life. I hope that rural dwellers living across the North will be able to put to good use the opportunities provided by the programme."

(PR/JM)