Islanders from Tory, Gola, and Arranmore Islands attended a seminar over the weekend addressing the future of farming on the islands.

The nature of farming in Donegal has changed over the years with increased regulations and obligations placed upon farmers. Island farmers face the added difficulty of being disjointed from the mainland but nevertheless, many continue to farm against the odds.

The seminar in Inis Meáin was a useful forum for Island farmers to discuss what the future holds for them. It was organised by the Irish Islands Federation, the representative body for the inhabited offshore islands who believe that island farmers, like their counterparts on the mainland, should be supported in diversification in order to ensure that they can continue to work the land in the future.

The cost of farming on Donegal's islands is greater because of the added cost of freight and veterinary visits and island farmers. And the Islands Federation have called for the need to look at how they can secure their farm income in the face of changes in regulation and the markets nationally and globally.

Barry Caslin, an expert from Teagasc, also addressed the seminar with regard to the potential for growing miscanthus grass, willow and other Bioenergy crops on the islands and government incentives for growers. Cait Curran, a well known producer of organic vegetables also discussed her work with the Garraí na nOileán project, where islanders are trained in organic production.

A question and answer session was also held with Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr. Éamonn Ó Cuív, who has ministerial responsibility for the islands. The topics addressed were diverse, covering access, fishing regulations and support for island businesses will be raised.