Organic farming is an alternative method of food production, which is environmentally friendly.
Organic farming requires the consideration and application of production methods that do not damage the environment, a respectful use of the countryside, and concern for animal welfare.
The organic sector in Ireland is governed by EU legislation which is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Farmers, growers and processors undergo a stringent annual inspection process before receiving a licence from one of the Organic Control Bodies to sell their produce as organic. The five bodies are Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA), Organic Trust, The Institute for Marketecology (IMO), Global Trust Certification Limited (GTC) and Biodynamic Agricultural Association (BDAA). All foods produced to these standards is permitted to be labelled as ‘organic’.
Euro Leaf:
The new organic logo of the European Union (EU)
A new EU organic logo was introduced on the 1st of July 2010 and will be obligatory for all organic pre-packaged food products within the European Union from July 2012. The EU organic farming logo offers consumers’ confidence about the origins and qualities of their food and drink and its presence on any product ensures compliance with the EU organic farming Regulation.
If used on a product, the EU organic logo indicates that this product can be legally qualified organic because it is in full conformity with the conditions and regulations for the organic farming sector established by the European Union. For processed products it means that at least 95% of the agricultural ingredients are organic. Next to the new EU organic logo, a code number of the control body is displayed as well as the place where the agricultural raw materials composing the product have been farmed.
When buying Organic food look out for these logos
The three bodies are Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd. (IOFGA), Organic Trust Ltd and The Institute for Marketecology (IMO). All food produced to these standards is permitted to be labelled with the word 'organic'.
For more information on suppliers of organic food visit the Deptartment of Agriculture Fisheries and Food.