Bord Bia, in association with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, today launched National Organic Week, which will run from 22nd to 28th October. The campaign sets out to educate consumers as to what constitutes organic produce and will provide consumers with information on the diverse range of locally produced organic food available on their doorsteps.
Welcoming the campaign, Mr. Trevor Sargent T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food said “There is no doubt that consumer demand for certified organic produce is growing and the development of the sector is a priority. National Organic Week will help to raise awareness of the sector and show consumers how they can help support organic production. There are lots of opportunities to participate, whether it’s attending one of the many events taking place around Ireland or by changing shopping habits to look for locally produced, certified organic produce”.
In addition Minister Sargent said "Organic farming is good for producers as well as consumers. Given that up to 70% of organic food consumed in Ireland is imported, a real opportunity exists for conventional producers to convert to organic. The financial incentives for producers are in place and recently have increased by 17%. I would encourage producers to consider the organic option. It is important to increase organic production across the board".
Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and co-ordinated by Bord Bia, National Organic Week will promote seasonal organic produce and highlight the many events taking place nationwide throughout the week. Additional activities will include outdoor advertising, public relations and national and local radio press. Recipe leaflets, posters and window stickers will also be distributed through retailers around the country.
Details of organic suppliers and lists of local activities taking place during National Organic Week can be found on www.agriculture.gov.ie/organics and www.bordbia.ie
Bord Bia estimate the Irish organic food market is worth €66million.