50 events planned for Bord Bia’s national organic food showcase

MORE than 50 events are planned nationwide as part of Bord Bia’s National Organic Week (September 15-21).

They will include farm walks, in-store tastings, information evenings, cookery demonstrations and workshops.

Erin Brockovich, the renowned environmental activist, will also join the celebrations with a seminar planned for September 20 in UCD.

National Organic Week, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and co-ordinated by Bord Bia, aims to continue to raise consumer awareness of organic food, how to recognise it and where to buy it.

According to research announced last week, organic sales in Ireland have increased by 82%, reaching a value of €104 million in the year to July 2008, compared with €57m in the year to July, 2006.

The research also revealed 45% of Irish grocery shoppers purchased an organic product in the last month, a significant increase from 20% in 2003.

Horticulture and Food Minister Trevor Sargent said he was delighted at the increase in the number of events being held this year as part of national organic week and the fact that it is now a truly nationwide programme.

“This is a clear signal that organics is growing in Ireland, which is good news in the context of the Programme for Government commitment to achieve 5% of the land under organic production by 2012,” he said.

Meanwhile, it has been disclosed that a number of farmers showing an interest in switching to organic production is on the increase.

Mr Sargent said he had written to herd owners across the country urging them to consider exploring the potential benefits of converting to organic production.

“Organic farming can provide many profitable and rewarding options,” he said.