Oliver Moore: Andrew Doyle Q&A: Vision for strong, sustainable organic sector
My vision for the organic sector is for a strong, sustainable sector that delivers top quality food to market and which does so in a way which (is) especially beneficial to the environment.
I want it to be profitable for farmers and good for the consumer, at home and abroad. Bord Bia have reported remarkable growth in market value, with a 23% increase in sales of organic food in the major multiple outlets, increasing the market share to €142m. This is a very positive reflection of organic farming in Ireland, and it mirrors a growing trend right across Europe.
We need to focus on how we can grow that market, by exploring opportunities such as increasing exports and replacing imported organic products with Irish goods where possible.
I would like to see our existing markets consolidated and I think that future growth has to be market-driven too, and targeted to supply those markets.
With the increase in financial support offered under the organic farming scheme, we now have a mix of experienced and new organic farmers. We need to support all of these in their endeavours.
Organics is not an easy option: We need to mentor our producers, make sure that they have secure markets, and see that they receive a premium price for their product.
The evidence suggests that there is further potential in the sector, but in order to grow sustainably it must be market driven and we need to grow both the sector and the market in tandem: If we create a market, we need to be able to supply it, and similarly supply must be driven by what people want to buy.
My department is working closely with Bord Bia to develop new markets particularly in the beef sector. Bord Bia’s presence at Biofach, which is funded by my department is a prime example.
Some 2,500 exhibitors from 77 countries exhibited at this year’s fair. Bord Bia, who have been exhibiting at Biofach since 2004, hosted a large Ireland stand, with 10 Irish companies participating, which included two Irish meat processors.
Bord Bia is also currently carrying out research in the meat sector to gauge quantities of organic product coming to the market in 2017 and to identify markets for these products.
The most important thing for us now is to ensure that we develop the market for organic product in tandem with the growth in production — that will be the keystone of long-term sustainable growth.
On the contrary, both sectors benefit significantly from schemes already in place, not just in terms of start-up but also in terms of real support for capital development works.
This includes a targeted agricultural modernisation scheme dedicated exclusively to organic producers with a range of investments that extend well beyond what is available to the conventional sector.
Examples of such investments which are eligible for 40% grant assistance and 60% for qualified young farmers include the following:
- Organic free-range laying hen house (fixed)
- Organic free-range laying hen house (mobile)
- Organic free-range broiler house (fixed)
- Organic free-range broiler house (mobile)
- Permanent fencing of organic poultry run
- Pig kennels
- Permanent pig fencing
We also have in place a ring fenced and very flexible investment scheme for organic processors, which is wholly state funded and offers grant aid of up to €500,000 to individual projects.
