Action plan launched to develop organic sector to its full potential

An action plan to develop the organic sector to its full potential has been launched by Minister of State Tom Hayes on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The Organic Farming Action Plan 2013-2015, produced by the Organic Focus Group, aims to increase the production base in Ireland, with a view to replacing where possible imports with Irish organic produce.

It is geared towards promoting awareness of the potential export market and to seek to develop it as a sustainable outlet for Irish organic produce as supplies become available.

Another key aim is to identify issues which are impeding the growth of the organic sector with an emphasis on developing solutions.

Minister Hayes said the target of 5% of land area under organic production set out in the Food Harvest 2020 Report is a challenging one.

The action plan is a very important element in this process and one he hoped all stakeholders will embrace, he said.

Helen Scully, national co-ordinator, Organic Trust, who welcomed the launch of the plan, said there is massive potential for expansion within the Irish organic sector.

With some key commitments from government and a defined focus for the sector as a whole, the plan can help realise this potential going forward, she said.