Organic Centre agrees €50,000 SuperValu deal

THE Organic Centre at Rossinver in Co Leitrim has been boosted by a two-year sponsorship agreement with SuperValu, worth €50,000.

SuperValu, whose parent company, Musgrave Group, has been a corporate backer of the centre since 2000, intends to work on consumer awareness campaigns with the centre.

It will use its expertise in identifying market opportunities for the supply of locally grown organic foods to the 180 independent SuperValu supermarkets countrywide.

The Organic Centre, established in 1995 as a non-profit making company, is located on a 19-acre site and is managed by John O’Neill and Rebecca Hussey. It provides training, information and demonstrations in organic gardening and farming.

Michael Nason, SuperValu managing director, said the sponsorship demonstrates the company’s approach of investing in partnerships in the food sector to support local producers, and to continually improve the range and quality of Irish produce it provides consumers.

“We’re working on developing our organic offering in SuperValu and, as with all our fresh produce, our preference is to work with Irish suppliers.

“So an investment in The Organic Centre fits with our objective of supporting sustainable, quality Irish food production,” he said.

The market for organic food in Europe has doubled over the last five years and is now worth almost €6 billion. In Ireland, demand for organic food far exceeds availability. Up to 70% of it is imported.

There are some 320 producers of organic fruit and vegetables in Ireland. The majority of their farms are less than three hectares.

John O’Neill, manager, The Organic Centre, which employs 18 staff, said there is a real opportunity for Irish farmers to fill the growing niche market for organic food.

“We assist Irish organic food producers through training, advice and support. We encourage other farmers to consider the organic option.

“We believe organic production has a central role to play in maintaining rural communities, as conventional farming comes under increasing pressure through rising costs and falling prices,” he said.