I was appalled at the recent RTÉ Prime Time debate about organic growing which was clearly done with an intent to polarise the issue of organic food versus conventionally produced food.

The final deal on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy could not be described as a radical reform.

Numbers entering the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) have reduced from 180 valid applicants in 2012 to 105 this year, according to figures from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

IT ALL began after Kate Carmody’s mother presented her with a cheese press and an instruction book when she got married in 1984.

The re-opening of the organic farming scheme for 2013 has been welcomed by the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association.

Trials of genetically modified potatoes are not at odds with promoting and researching organic systems in Ireland, organic producers have been told.

Organic farmers and anti-GM groups have described the EPA’s decision to sanction the growing of genetically modified potatoes in Ireland as irresponsible and short-sighted.

Ireland has been given the green light for genetically modified potato trials, despite our status as a GM-free Island, writes Oliver Moore

National agri-food research body Teagasc says its proposal to plant blight-resistant GM potatoes outdoors in Ireland is a necessary part of a trial to gauge their ecological impacts on bacterial, fungal, nematode and earthworm diversity in the soil.

Under the new EU directive, egg producers must use the larger, modified ‘enriched’ cages equipped with perches and litter, the aim being to allow hens room to roost, nest and scratch.

GILLIAN WESTBROOK is the new general manager of the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association, IOFGA. This position will involve planning, managing and organisation for IOFGA.

EUROPEAN Union talks on accepting a 0.1% level of genetically modified (GM) material in animal feed are expected to resume on February 22.

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

THE thought of people in 21st century Ireland buying a bottle of water would surely astonish our ancestors who would have looked on a water as a ‘free’ commodity.

IN his article headlined ‘Future could be GM and nuclear power’ (June 2), Brian O’Mahony puts forward certain arguments that need further analysis.

IRELAND’s hesitation in declaring itself a GM-free zone is handing other EU farmers a marketing advantage on a plate, says the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA).

CULTIVATION of a genetically modified crop in the EU has been approved for the first time in 12 years.

AGRICULTURE is in crisis and there is a lack of vision from the mainstream farming organisations and the state as to what direction it should take, the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association has claimed.

ANY cuts to agriculture spending must be directed away from smaller farmers and should be informed by a vision for the future shape of rural Ireland, according to the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association.

IRISH organic growers say new research that found their produce had no health benefits failed to take account of the cocktail of chemicals used in intensive farming.

FEARS have arisen that the multiple retailers are set to seek price reductions of up to 40% from suppliers in the country’s €140 million organic food sector.

CONSUMERS have been urged to support local farmers and food producers in order to help the local economy.

A DIFFICULT situation for pig producers became a crisis at the weekend with the discovery of the dioxin problem, a conference was told in Tullamore, Co Offaly, yesterday.

Caroline Rigney rears free-range Tamworth, Saddleback and Gloucester Old Spot pigs in Kilcornan, Co Limerick. Their bacon is sweet and delicious. The beautiful Beal Farmhouse organic cheese is made by Kate Carmody, the chairwoman of the board of directors for the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association.

JUNIOR Minister Trevor Sargent has pledged to stand by organic farming in tough pre-budget negotiations.

Organic farmers are today calling on the Government to take stronger measures to boost the production of organic food in Ireland.

THE Government was urged yesterday to train people to grow their own food.

THE Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) would like to clarify that the letter by Grace Maher of the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (February 25) incorrectly stated that Dr Con O’Rourke is employed by the FSAI. Dr O’Rourke is an independent plant scientist who previously worked with An Teagasc. He has not held any position with the FSAI.

CONSUMERS buying organic turkeys for Christmas were urged yesterday to ensure they are paying for the real thing.

ROGUE organic traders are to be clamped down on after the Minister for Food and Horticulture, Trevor Sargent gave his officials increased powers to enforce regulation in the sector.

ORGANIC farming could hold the key to providing an economic future for farming in Ireland as well as issues such as obesity and healthier eating, according to the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA).

SALES of organic food in Ireland are €66 million a year and rising, as consumers place their faith in produce free of pesticides and in meat reared naturally.

WITH a marked price difference between organic and non-organic food, it doesn’t take a genius to see the potential to capitalise on the organic revolution and make a quick buck.

DOZENS of turkeys, geese and ducks, for sale on the lucrative Christmas market, were seized by Department of Agriculture officials from two Cork city premises after they were found to be incorrectly labelled.