Organic farms face 40% price cut

FEARS have arisen that the multiple retailers are set to seek price reductions of up to 40% from suppliers in the country’s €140 million organic food sector.

The Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA) warned that many small suppliers will get into financial difficulty if this is enforced. “No organic producer is making a margin of anything like 40% and the option they face is to supply at a loss or stop dealing with the multiples completely.”

The association, which represents about 1,000 farmers, growers and processors, said there is a real possibility that a large number of Irish-owned small food businesses will be forced to close down or let staff go in such a situation.

Chairperson Kate Carmody said Irish people must consider whether they want to support their neighbours in producing quality organic food in this country.

“If we want a vibrant local economy we must support it by our purchasing decisions. Most of us can afford to do this if we choose, even in the recession.

“Buying seasonal, local, organic food is quite simply better for us, our environment and our economy.

“When we shop, we can all make a small but significant difference to pulling the country out of its current difficulty and supporting our friends and neighbours in retaining their jobs. The choice is ours.”

IOFGA is urging its members and communities across the country to support the local farmers and food producers in their areas by buying local, buying Irish, buying seasonal and buying organic.

“With many aspects of the economy in decline, the development of a strong local food economy is one of the areas that offer real prospects for the development of a healthy, sustainable and resilient economy in the future. Every time we shop we can help make this happen.”