JFC Innovation Awards 2011
GIldernew urges rural go-getters to put their thinking cap on for the JFC Innovation Awards
Farming Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has today encouraged farmers and rural entrepreneurs to enter the 2010/11 JFC Innovation Awards competition.
The JFC Innovation Awards for Rural Business is an all-island competition organised by DARD, Teagasc, Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) and Irish Farmers Journal and sponsored by JFC Manufacturing. Entries are invited from farmers and rural entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas or with new rural businesses that have commenced trading in the last five years.
Outlining the potential opportunities the competition offers, the Minister said: “The awards, now in their fifth year, have highlighted excellent ideas that farmers and rural entrepreneurs have used to set up new businesses. The overall prize fund for the competition is valued at €40,000. This includes cash prizes provided by JFC Manufacturing, advertising in the Irish Farmers’ Journal, and mentoring and business support provided by DARD, Teagasc and ILDN. I want to encourage as many farmers and rural entrepreneurs as possible to send in their applications.”
There are four categories in this year’s competition: Energy / Manufacturing; Value added / Speciality Food; Services / Rural Tourism; Start up (for those not yet trading).
She added: “There is a wealth of talent and innovative ideas out there and I want to see local potential realised. In the current economic climate we need to see new businesses emerge, that will create employment and generate wealth in rural areas.
“The added value of this competition is that it is all island, which opens up a much larger marketplace for any successful applicants. So I want to call on rural go-getters to put their thinking caps on and see their ideas come to fruition.”
Robert Goligher of Kee Boarding Kennels and Cattery from Eglington, was the winner of the Services / Rural Tourism category in last year’s competition, for Chapel of Rest Pet Crematorium concept. Explaining the benefits of his success in the competition, he said: “The idea came from existing customers in the Kennels. Cremation and retaining a decorative urn of ashes was a much preferred option for them. Applying to the JFC Innovation Awards gave me the opportunity to critically appraise my business idea and the confidence to go forward.”
The final date for receipt of completed entries is 5pm Friday 10 December 2010. Entry packs can be obtained from DARD Direct offices, online at http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/rural-development/farm-diversification.htm
or by phoning 028 9052 4591.
or by phoning 028 9052 4591.
GILDERNEW CALLS FOR ENTREPRENEURS TO APPLY TO JFC AWARDS: Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has called for farmers and rural entrepreneurs to enter the 2010/11 JFC Innovation Awards competition. The Minister is pictured with (l-r) Olive Goligher (Chapel of Rest Pet Crematorium ), Brendan Morrin, JFC Manufacturing. Robert Goligher, Chapel of Rest Pet Crematorium - Eglinton (Farm Diversifier and Finalist in 2009/10 event with his Chapel of Rest for pets) and Gareth Gormley.
