Events to showcase organic livestock systems

Tom Dunne, farmer, John Purcell, Good Herdsmen, Elaine Leavy, Organic Specialist, Teagasc, Tara Bane, Bord Bia, Paschal Walsh, Irish Country Meats, and Padraig Brennan, Chairperson, Organic Strategy Forum.

A specialist roadshow hopes to boost Ireland’s growing organic livestock sector, by exploring how Ireland can expand production to meet growing consumer demand and strengthen rural communities.

The 'Growing Prospects for Organic Livestock' roadshow aims to inform current and potential organic farmers on the market demand for organic beef and lamb, outlets for organic stock, and the positive financial performance of organic livestock farming.

The organic livestock sector in Ireland is the largest and fastest-growing segment of organic farming, with cattle and sheep production being the most common enterprises, accounting for over 80% of new entrants over the last three years to reach around 4,000 farmers.

This growth is supported by government investment and programmes such as the Organic Farming Scheme, which supports the national target to have 10% of agricultural land in Ireland farmed organically by 2030.

“Organic livestock is not just about farming differently - it’s about farming for the future,” said Padraig Brennan, who chairs the Organic Strategy Forum. 

“We want to show farmers that income from organic systems compares favourably. The market for organic meat continues to grow, with processors currently unable to source sufficient animals to meet demand.”

Events will take place as follows:

• Wednesday, September 24 – Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, Co Laois
• Wednesday, October 1 – Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co Galway
• Wednesday, October 8 – Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Co Limerick
• Wednesday, October 15 – Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town, Co Donegal

Tara Bane, newly appointed Organic Sector Manager with Bord Bia, said: “Organic beef and lamb present a valuable growth opportunity for Irish farming, meeting growing consumer demand for food produced with a focus on sustainability, high animal welfare, and natural production methods. These events will help farmers explore the potential of organic farming.”