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Leading scallop producer and shellfish industry representative for many years, Jerry Gallagher from Carrigart, Co Donegal was elected the new chairman of the Irish Shellfish Association at a meeting of the new Executive Committee in the Irish Farm Centre, Dublin yesterday (Wednesday).
The ISA is a part of the Irish Farmers’ Association since 1997.
Jerry Gallagher is a well known and respected shellfish producer throughout the industry in Ireland and abroad, having held the position as ISA chair in the 1990s and was at the forefront in leading the Association into IFA in 1997 with the help of oyster producer, Jim Harty from Dungarvan. Jerry has an impressive CV including long experience in dealing with politicians, officials and working with fellow EU shellfish producers on a number of important research and policy projects over the years.
The IFA President, John Bryan, congratulated Jerry Gallagher on his election and wished him every success on leading the 45 million euro industry into the future.
Jerry Gallagher said: “ It is vital that the producers of Irish oysters, mussels, scallops, clams and other farmed shellfish stick together in these challenging times. We have a responsibility to our families, investors and customers to keep the quality of our product as high as possible, to promote Irish seafood and to prevent any degradation of inshore water quality. We will work closely with our colleagues in Europe through EMPA to ensure a level playing pitch and watch movements in Brussels closely.
“At home, I will be reminding Minister Coveney that he needs to keep the pressure on to process licences for our members, many of who have been waiting for up to five years for responses to their renewals. I believe he has the best interests of the industry at heart but I would emphasise that now is the time to attract investment, increase marketshare and create jobs and exports from coastal communities. I would also make clear to the Minister that aquaculture is a young and developing industry and we are learning new things about our stocks and the environment on a daily basis – and the regulation of our sector should accommodate and reflect that evolution.”
New Fish Health Code Demonstrates Commitment of
Irish Fish Farmers – IFA
Speaking at the launch of the new Code of Practice for Fish Health in Dublin today (Wednesday), IFA Aquaculture Executive Secretary, Richie Flynn, said the document launched by Marine and Food Minister, Simon Coveney, demonstrated the commitment of the industry to work to the highest standards of husbandry.
The new Code of Practice is a joint effort by the Irish farmed fish industry, the Marine Institute, the Department and veterinary experts, Vet Aqua International. The code focuses on disease prevention, biosecurity, animal welfare and best practice in stock management. The code is accompanied by a regularly updated detailed handbook on fish health which farmers themselves can contribute to on a regular basis as knowledge and experience increases and new solutions are found to health issues.
Richie Flynn said: “The Irish industry has a very good track record across a wide range of diseases and a history of collaboration and co-operation with state authorities and foreign industries in finding solutions to common problems. The environment in which our farmers work is very challenging and dynamic. The Atlantic ocean can throw jellyfish, amoeba and plankton as well as diseases carried by wild fish towards our stocks and we must deal with these in ways which are non-invasive with a very narrow choice of medicines and in ways that will 100% guarantee consumer safety.”
“Having a standard Code of Practice for the industry demonstrates our real commitment to the highest standards – higher than the statutory requirements. The reputation and quality of Irish farmed fish must be protected and promoted to secure the 2,000 jobs around the coast and lay a solid foundation for development into the future,” said Richie Flynn.
The code is available on www.marine.ie and www.ifa.ie.
Picture: (l-r) Richie Flynn, IFA Aquaculture Executive Secretary, Jerry Gallagher, Incoming Irish Shellfish Association Chairman.
More information
Richie Flynn 086-2454402
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