Organic ‘key to Irish farming’s future’

ORGANIC farming could hold the key to providing an economic future for farming in Ireland as well as issues such as obesity and healthier eating, according to the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA).

It has presented Food and Horticulture Minister Trevor Sargent with a 12-point plan for the development of the sector over the next five years.

IOFGA, representing some 1,000 farmers, growers and processors, said Ireland has a green image, low population density and a buoyant economy and can capitalise on this to boost the economy from a food, environmental and tourism perspective.

“It is imperative the Government acts to ensure that Ireland is marketed as a green destination with quality organic food, in order to capitalise on the opportunities available,” it said.

IOFGA said it sees organic farming as a viable future for farming in Ireland at a time when traditional agriculture is under pressure.

The association wants Ireland to become an international example of best practice and achieve a target of 5% of agricultural land for organic farming by 2012.

“The organic sector has been stagnant in Ireland for the past number of years, while progress has been rapid in many other countries,” the IOFGA said.

“Existing structures, supports and resources have been inadequate and ineffective.”