15% rise in land for organic growth

THE land area under organic production increased by 15% last year, Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan has disclosed.

She was accepting the third report from the National Steering Group for the Organic Sector from group chairman John Duggan.

“I am encouraged by the increased interest in organic production. While it is from a small base, it shows that farmers are seriously looking at the organic option,” she said.

Ms Coughlan noted the market for organic food has grown rapidly in recent years. It was estimated to be worth €66 million in 2006, from just €38m in 2003 although a large portion of this is made up of imports.

She urged farmers and processors to grasp the opportunity to substitute Irish produce for imports.

Ms Coughlan also welcomed a three-year marketing plan for the sector by An Bord Bia on behalf of her department.

She said she was looking forward to the second National Organic Week, from November 6-12.

One of the highlights will be a conference, organised by the Western Development Commission and Atlantic Organics Ltd, on November 7, in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

The National Steering Group, which first met in December 2002, was established to act as a driving force for development in the sector.

The group, now in its second term, aims to increase awareness among consumers of organic food and farming, increase the production base in Ireland, and develop sustainable export markets.