Minister Pippa Hackett’s Visit
Showcases Importance of Native Planting Methodologies for Rural Communities
Carlow, Ireland – On June 12th, 2023, Senator Pippa Hackett TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, visited SME Cullen Nurseries in County Carlow.
Cullen Nurseries, founded by Robert & Catriona Cullen, is a Department of Agriculture approved native tree and hedging nursery located in Hacketstown, Carlow. The nursery specializes in growing a wide variety of native trees and hedging plants, and has been at the forefront of promoting the use of native plants in Irish agriculture and land management. The company currently employs a dedicated team.
During her visit, Minister Hackett toured the nursery and met with the staff to discuss the importance of native trees and hedging for the Acres Scheme. She also highlighted the role that the newly launched Acres Scheme plays in promoting sustainable land use practices and supporting rural communities.
Robert Cullen, owner of Cullen Nurseries, expressed his thoughts on the visit, stating, “Native trees and hedging are vital for the preservation of Ireland’s biodiversity, as they provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife. They also play a key role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. We are delighted to welcome Minister Hackett to Cullen Nurseries to highlight the importance of planting native trees and hedging, be it for the Acres Scheme or planting in our homes, villages, and communities. We believe that planting native species plays a crucial role in preserving Ireland’s natural heritage and tackling biodiversity decline, and we are proud to be an approved supplier to the Acres scheme.”
The Acres Scheme provides funding to farmers and landowners for the planting of native trees and hedging, along with other measures to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable land use. The scheme has been successful in supporting rural communities and promoting environmental sustainability.
Catriona Cullen, co-owner of Cullen Nurseries, is a recent graduate of the Acorns Plus Programme funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The ACORNS program supports female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland and is centered around interactive round table sessions facilitated by successful female entrepreneurs known as ‘Lead Entrepreneurs.’ The program aims to foster peer learning and has shown positive impact on enterprise development in rural areas.
Before departure, Minister Hackett was presented with an Irish Oak tree by Robert & Caitriona.
Also in attendance on the day was members of Carlow Local Enterprise Office and Carlow Chamber of Commerce
Cullen Nurseries is family run in Co.Carlow and provide a range of hedges and trees for you to start planting. Find a range of top plant varieties and other products on our site, ready for planting in your outdoor space and brightening up your home. Cullen nurseries can help you to work on your hedges and plants, bringing nature to your home.
