Application deadline for National Organic Awards fast approaching

THE deadline for the receipt of application forms for the fourth National Organic Awards is next Monday.

Judging by a panel of experts will take place early next month and the awards will be presented on September 14 in the Bord Bia Food Centre, Dublin.

The awards were established by the National Organic Plan under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Bord Bia.

Awards will be made for six organic product categories – retail, local, export, new, sustainable and best overall.

The presentations of the awards will coincide with National Organic Week (September 13-19) during which many events will take place countrywide.

National Organic Week is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the week is co-ordinated by Bord Bia on behalf of Foras Orgánach. The aim is to raise consumer awareness of the benefits, and increase the frequency of consumption of locally-produced organic food

Portumna Forest Picnic in Co Galway (September 12) will be aimed at families with the emphasis on locally produced food.

It is being coordinated by the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA), the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA) and Slowfood.

The variety of food and drink on offer will showcase local Irish organic production.

There will also be demonstrations on animal rearing, bee keeping, butchering, cheese making and fish smoking as well as AgriAware’s mobile farm with live animals.

Other activities will include forest walks, mountain bike trekking, story-telling for children, live music and face painting.

Event co-ordinator and executive researcher at the ICSA Gillian Westbrook said there has been a very positive feedback and great support from groups and business in Portumna and the surrounding areas.

IOFGA chairperson Dr Sinead Neiland said it is delighted to be involved in this event for National Organic Week, especially as it showcases Irish organic produce and producers.

ICSA president Gabriel Gilmartin said his association has always been supportive of the organic sector and believes it offers additional opportunities for Irish beef and lamb producers.

“Events like the Portumna Forest picnic are good for farmers as they allow the quality and clean green image of Irish produce to be showcased to the general public.”