Organic food hits the spot

NATIONAL Organic Food Week, now in its sixth year continues to gather momentum. The raison d’être for the week-long campaign from Monday, September 13 to Sunday, September 19 is to raise awareness about organic food and where to buy and enjoy it.

During the Celtic Tiger era in Ireland the demand for organic produce grew year after year. At present, there are approximately 1,500 registered organic farmers and 1.25% of arable land is being farmed organically in contrast to the European average of 4%. Now that we are in more challenging times the ‘true believers’ depending on their circumstances have continued to seek out organic produce or have decided to grow their own and possibly keep a few hens also. Some farmers who were tempted by the extra supplement offered to organic farmers under the REPS scheme have reverted now that the scheme is under review. Bord Bia estimated the organic farming market was worth 124m in 2009 and is projected to grow to 239m by 2013.

The Ballymaloe Cookery School farm has been organic for over a decade. We have built up the fertility of the soil by regular applications of well-rotted farm yard manure, compost, seaweed and the use of green manures.