Organic food market is worth millions

Donal Hickey on efforts to boost the domestic market

WITH Trevor Sargent of the Green Party appointed Minister for Food, a greater emphasis on the production of organic food can be expected.

It would, however, be easy to improve on the present situation as the base from which to start is very low. Organic food sales in Ireland represent less than 0.5% of our total food market, considerably lower than the 2% European average, according to the Food Safety Authority (FSAI).

About 70% of the organic food on the market is imported and the 30% produced domestically is from only 0.7% of the available agricultural land.

The market for organic food here is reckoned to be worth €66 million by the end of this year, with a market growth rate estimated at 25% an annum. These figures highlight the fact that demand is far greater than domestic production and this demand should continue to rise in line with international trends, says the FSAI.

On the Irish market, fruits and vegetables comprise the largest organic food type, 45%, while meats, 25%, dairy products, 10%, and other organic groceries make up the balance. In order to avoid confusion and facilitate consumer choice, the larger supermarkets segregate organic products in areas that are clearly labelled. There is a growing demand for ongoing education among farmers converting to organic production. Courses, farm walks and training days are an essential part of the learning process for farmers considering changing to organic production methods.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan says she is encouraged by the increased interest in organic production which shows that farmers are seriously looking at the organic option. She has called on Irish farmers and processors to grasp the opportunity to substitute Irish produce for imports.

Financial supports are available to organic farmers through the REPS and the Department of Agriculture and Food is offering 40% investment grants for both on-farm and off-farm enterprises.

A clear indication of the consumer demand for organic or, at least, free range foods, is the rapid growth in farmers’ markets around the country in recent years. However, there is often confusion between organic and free range foods, which are not the same thing. Strict international standards govern the production of organic food, with the emphasis on environmentally-friendly and sustainable farm practices. Producers of organic food avoid synthetic pesticides and several forms of fertilisers

On the other hand, free range chickens could have been treated with antibiotics or given feeds which would disqualify them from being classed as organic. The chickens may have been reared in the open, but they are not necessarily organic.

If people wishing to buy organic foods have any doubts about a producer’s bona fides, they should ask to see the obligatory organic licence.

It also seems that an increasing number of people are choosing to grow their own organic fruit and vegetables in their domestic gardens. With people living in bigger homes, they are also using their garden as an outdoor room for entertaining. Bord Bia has a landscape quality awards scheme which encourages people to grow a large variety of plants. A recent TNS MRBI survey found that the amenity/garden products industry is valued at almost €1 billion and has grown by 71% over the past four years.

Irish consumers purchased outdoor plants and flowers on 6.5 million occasions in the year up to April 2006. Women purchased more outdoor plants and flowers, but 60% of purchases on trees, fruit, vegetable and herbs were made by men.

Our fruit and vegetable sector has grown by 18% so far this decade. Efforts are also continuing to entice people to eat more fruit and vegetables and the success of the Food Dude programme in schools is being held up as an example of what can be achieved. By the end of this year, the programme, which encourages children to develop a taste and appreciation for fruit and vegetables, will be rolled out to 250 schools in Ireland.