Further Opportunities For Quality & Profitability

Pictured at Agriculture House presenting a copy of the submission to the Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan TD, were (L-R): Joe Hernon, National Chairman, Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA); Eimear Mulhern, Chairperson, ITBA EU Committee; Tony Watkins, ITBA EU Committee; and Minister Mary Coughlan TD.

With support and training more Irish thoroughbred breeders can produce better horses more profitably and continue to enhance Ireland's reputation as a source of quality thoroughbred horses,' said Eimear Mulhern, Irish Thoroughbred Breeder's Association (ITBA). The production of thoroughbred horses also provides Ireland's rural communities with a viable non-quota alternative to mainsteam farming'.

The statement was made as the ITBA (Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association) confirmed details of its submission to the Department of Agriculture seeking ?16.26 million in funding towards specific measures under the 2007-2013 National Development Plan for Rural Development & Agriculture. The funding would be in addition to 'self-help' measures already in place which are self-funded by the Irish thoroughbred sector.

Prepared following extensive consultation with Irish breeders, The ITBA submission seeks funding for 5 critical measures which it believes are necessary to strengthen the industry in Ireland and to produce a better quality horse for the marketplace:-

1. ?2.76m for training programmes to educate producers about modern production methods, improved quality measures and maintaining health status

2. ?2.5m to support equine initiatives which contribute to the sustainability of rural communities, create employment and boost tourism

3. ?3m to continue research in areas such as health, welfare, production and equine performance through the Irish Equine Centre.

4. ?8m towards modern housing & handling facilities, ranging from stabling to exercise paddocks.

5. ?0.6m towards the representation of the Irish sector within the expanded EU and newer emerging markets

'This is a tremendous opportunity. The production of thoroughbred horses is one of the few areas of Irish agriculture which has actually shown significant growth in the past 6 years and has the potential to contribute significantly to the growth of rural economies,' said Ms. Mulhern, who Chairs the ITBA EU Committee.

Encouragement and support for this sector does yield results, with figures indicating a significant increase in the number of registered breeders in Ireland and an increase in the number of thoroughbred foals produced in Ireland within the last 5 years. Sales of Irish thoroughbreds in 2005 had an estimated value of at least ?308 million. Many of these achievements can be attributed to the inclusion of the Irish thoroughbred sector within the 2000-2006 National Development Plan for the first time; further supported by ?20.51 in 'self help' measures from the industry during the 2000-2005 period.

The ITBA highlights that there are challenges facing the thoroughbred sector in Ireland, where relatively high production costs are competing with growing levels of competition from alternative markets. There is a need to produce a better quality horse to meet the needs of international buyers and a need to protect the high health status of the Irish herd.

Tony Watkins (LEFT) from the ITBA EU Committee discusses the submission with Minister Mary Coughlan TD during a visit by representatives of the ITBA to Agriculture House to present a copy of the submission to the Minister

However thoroughbred breeding integrates ideally into the overall pattern of agriculture in Irish rural communities and is sympathetic with the protection and enhancement of the rural environment.

According to The ITBA, production is currently firmly rooted in the hands of the small producer, with 93% of the broodmare population owned by farmers with 4 or less mares. These are complimented by a number of large Irish and international breeders establishing farms in the Country and all contributing to employment within the sector, with current employment levels estimated at 18,035 full time and approximately 2,255 part time.

'The thoroughbred horse production sector in Ireland has the potential to provide a sustainable, alternative enterprise with environmentally friendly farming practices. It also meets Government and EU strategic policies ranging from the support of farm diversification to building local capacity for employment,' said Tony Wakins, ITBA EU Committee.