Organic produce could boost trade

IRELAND’S €417 million food and drink trade with Germany could be boosted further with increased exports of organic produce, it was revealed yesterday.

A total of 12,400 tonnes of Irish seafood worth e24m is currently sold to Germany but there are also growing market opportunities for organic food exporting companies here.

Ireland’s organic sector was valued at e100m last year, increasing by 82% in two years. Organic grocery sales in Germany grew by 125% between 2000 and 2006.

Food Minister Trevor Sargent, who yesterday opened Ireland’s stand at BioFach, the world’s largest organic food fair in Nurnberg, said he looked forward to the opportunity of spreading the word about the quality of Irish organic produce on display.

He said he also hoped the event would inspire Irish companies to consider the development of new organic products.

Eleven innovative Irish seafood and food companies are participating at the event, which continues until Sunday.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and Bord Bia have jointly co-ordinated the participation of the Irish companies.

Mr Sargent said there are opportunities for indigenous Irish companies to make inroads into export markets, and the Irish participation at Biofach is an important step in that direction.

Last year, BioFach attracted close to 3,000 international exhibitors and some 46,500 trade visitors from 124 countries.