Real opportunities for organic farmers

THERE are realistic market opportunities for domestic organic beef producers, a Teagasc conference was told in Tullamore.

John Purcell, Good Herdsman Ltd in Cahir, Co Tipperary, said he was disappointed at the slow response of Irish producers.

Noting that Irish organic farmers produce around 3,000 finished organic cattle and 6,000 lambs annually, Mr Purcell said it is estimated the British market needs to import up to 20,000 cattle per year to fill the gap between its own production and consumer demand.

Meanwhile, an organic open day on the farm of Stuart Kingston at Farnanes, Co Cork, will be held on June 28, and not on next Tuesday as previously indicated.