The European Union will be back at the Ploughing this year with a revamped marquee (Block 2, Row 13, Stand 222) packed with information and entertainment to promote EU opportunities. The big focus will be on raising awareness about an EU quality mark that can benefit traditional, authentic quality Irish food and drink producers.
Some features of the EU marquee remain unchanged. It is still the place to meet and have a chat with Ireland’s European Commissioner, Mairead McGuinness and learn about the newly-elected Irish Members of the European Parliament.
The EU team will also have information on a wide range of EU topics - from CAP funding opportunities, to studying, volunteering and working abroad, as well as EU science and innovation programmes that support sustainable farming and food.
See below for full details of all the activities on offer at the EU marquee this year.
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Trust the Logo!
Grass fed Irish beef is one of the best known Irish products benefiting from the EU’s ‘Geographical Indication’ scheme – an EU quality mark to promote, traditional, authentic, quality food and drinks across the EU.
Visitors will also be able to meet a range of other Irish ‘makers', including: Irish Grass Fed Beef, Achill Island Sea Salt, Oriel Sea Salt, Waterford Blaa, Connemara Hill Lamb, Sneem Black Pudding, Imokilly Regato with sampling of Irish Poitín, Irish Whiskey and Irish Cream Liqueur.
Officials from the Department of Agriculture and the European Commission will be available to provide advice to producers interested in participating in the scheme and to raise awareness among consumers about how the labels help them to trust and distinguish quality products.
Find out more about EU geographical indications and quality schemes here.
Race our remote controlled tractors with ploughs!
There is new entertainment in the marquee this year and visitors of all ages can race state-of-the-art remote controlled tractors with ploughs, to become a Ploughing champion and win great EU-themed prizes.
Visit our wormery and learn about healthy soils
The marquee will feature its own wormery where young visitors will be able to observe earthworms hard at work loosening, mixing and aerating our soils, and learn about the importance of maintaining healthy soils.
Farmers' queries
The European Commission has experts on hand to reply to questions on the EU’s veterinary rules and agricultural issues.
Learn about studying, training, learning and volunteering in Europe
The EU team will be on hand to provide assistance and give visitors information about their rights and opportunities across borders.
Information on studying, training, learning and volunteering abroad can also be found on the Léargas website and the Eurodesk Ireland website.
Information on working abroad can be found on the Eures Ireland website.
Find out how EU funding can benefit you
Find out how EU-funded scientific projects support sustainable farming and food. Experts will be available in the marquee to provide information about funding opportunities under EU programmes from the CAP Rural Development fund to EU Cohesion Funds and more.
Information on funding opportunities under EU programmes can be found on the EU Funds website and Science Foundation Ireland website.
Our partners
The European Union team at Ploughing is made up of a number of European partners, including: the European Commission Representation in Ireland, the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, the European Commission Department for Health and Food Audits and Analysis; Research Ireland; Léargas; Eurodesk; the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform; and the Regional Assemblies.