Agricultural Minister Discusses Success Of Rural Firms

Agricultural Minister Michelle McIlveen has met with farmers and business enterprises in Co Fermanagh to discuss the success of rural firms.

Cavanagh Eggs is a family business run by husband and wife John and Eileen Hall in the townland of Cavanagh near Newtownbutler. Initially established on a beef and sheep farm in 2002, the business has expanded steadily and now John and Eileen produce approximately 13 million eggs per year.

Minister McIlveen said: "Having met John and Eileen during the recent local shows it was great to have the opportunity to visit their business premises and hear how they diversified, with the assistance of CAFRE, from their previous beef and sheep farm. Their efforts and determination have resulted in winning a number of quality awards and securing contracts for the Cavanagh brand with major supermarket chains and the hospitality sector throughout Northern Ireland."

Mr and Mrs Hall said: "We're delighted to have the Minister with us today to discuss how we've grown our business. Following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 2001 we decided to diversify from beef and sheep. We explored various options and decided to produce free range eggs. In 2012 we launched the Cavanagh brand with the help of CAFRE's diversification programme. The business continues to grow from strength to strength, winning many awards and we continue to explore new markets."

(CD)