The aim of the conference is to expose practical examples of rural development and rural enterprise, alongside broader discussions of rural development and rural policy within Ireland and in the EU. Practical examples of alternative rural enterprise initiatives and innovation and diversification on farms, presented by rural entrepreneurs themselves, will feature prominently throughout the conference programme. Equally so, broader issues relating to sustainable rural livelihoods, will be addressed in the context of the larger rural policy and rural development debate.

“Towards Sustainable Rural Livelihoods”

Venue: Mullingar Park Hotel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Date: Thursday, 1^st February 2007

Teagasc Rural Economy Research Centre and Teagasc Rural Development Centre will hold a major conference on Rural Development, entitled “Towards Sustainable Rural Livelihoods” in the Mullingar Park Hotel, Mullingar, on Thursday 1^st February 2007.

This conference will address two crucial aspects of sustainable rural livelihoods – rural innovation in practice; and policy implications for countryside living.

The aim of the conference is to expose practical examples of rural development and rural enterprise, alongside broader discussions of rural development and rural policy within Ireland and in the EU. Practical examples of alternative rural enterprise initiatives and innovation and diversification on farms, presented by rural entrepreneurs themselves, will feature prominently throughout the conference programme. Equally so, broader issues relating to sustainable rural livelihoods, will be addressed in the context of the larger rural policy and rural development debate.

This large scale event plans to attract a wide range of rural entrepreneurs, rural development practitioners, representatives of rural interest groups, as well as representatives from rural development agencies, and policy makers. The core theme areas are: land-based enterprises; land use – the long term perspectives; food enterprises; rural tourism; work-life balance; rural public services; life-long learning; and local and community action.

Please contact Aine Macken-Walsh, Rural Economy Research Centre (Aine.MackenWalsh@teagasc.ie) for further information/registration. Alternatively, telephone Frances Conerney at 091-845244.