FG outlines barriers to organic growth

THE barriers to the growth of the organic food sector are the high cost of establishing enterprises, access to education and training and the need to improve marketing and distribution, according to Fine Gael agriculture and food spokesman Denis Naughten.

Speaking during National Organics Week, Mr Naughten said imaginative solutions are needed to encourage more farmers to go organic.

“We must develop more innovative ways to deliver training, such as the internet or distance learning. Marketing and promotion of organic food is also crucial if domestic producers are to thrive,” he said.