The declaration, which was launched at the Cork 2.0 European Conference on Rural Development last week, identified concerns including growth, jobs, environmental factors and innovation.

Through investing in future generations, improving infrastructure and supporting developing businesses, CEETTAR, the European body which represents contractors, believes the new declaration will provide a necessary boost to rural Ireland.

Committed to development

CEETTAR president Klaus Pentzlin said he is pleased with the declaration, adding: “Land-based contractors are committed to the development of the area where they are operating in. Investing to help the young generation stay, live and work in rural areas is urgent.”

The Association of Farm Contractors of Ireland, which is Ireland’s representative within CEETTAR, said the association’s presence within the recent conference was “a positive signal”. Richard White, chair of the FCI, said the declaration shows “the contribution of contractors to farming, forest and more generally to the rural economy” is paying off.

Read all of our coverage from the Cork 2.0 conference here

Contractors welcome Cork declaration on rural development

The European organisation of agriculture, forestry and rural contractors has welcomed the new Cork declaration on rural development.