European Organic Congress coming to Cork next month
Aoife Reilly of Gleasrai Organic Farm and Kitty Scully, general manager at Organic Growers of Ireland. Picture: Old Mill Pictures
Ireland will host the European Organic Congress in Cork from October 6 to 8, the Department of Agriculture has announced.
Organised by IFOAM Organics Europe, the conference will bring together more than 200 representatives from farming, food processing, policy and state bodies across Europe.
This year’s event, entitled Organics: A Strategic Investment in Europe’s Resilience, will examine how organic farming can contribute to food security, climate resilience, biodiversity, water quality and generational renewal.
Delegates will also discuss the policy and funding priorities required to support the development of the organic sector.
Agriculture minister Martin Heydon welcomed the decision to hold the congress in Cork during Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.
He said events played a role in encouraging networking and collaboration.
Mr Heydon said Ireland had recorded growth in organic production over the past five years, while rising global demand offered opportunities for Irish farmers and food processors.
Registration for the congress is now open. Places can be booked online at europeanorganiccongress.bio.
