National Organic Week, co-ordinated by Bord Bia and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine takes place this week, 12th-18th September. Organic producers and retailers will celebrate by hosting more than 60 organic events nationwide ranging from organic food tastings and cookery demonstrations to farm walks and educational talks. (See below for a full event listing).The week-long campaign, now in its seventh year, aims to increase the understanding of organic food, how to recognise it and where to buy it.
According to the latest organic market research from Kantar, the Irish organic sector is currently valued at €103 million (August 2011). Additional key findings from the research:
- 92% of Irish consumers purchased organic produce in the last 12 months
- Singles, couples and young families are driving the return to growth in organic market
- Organic vegetables, yoghurts, fresh meat, milk, breakfast cereals and snacks have all experienced growth over the last year with organic vegetables accounting for 26% of sales and organic yoghurts accounting for 18.5% of organic sales
A consumer study carried by Behaviour & Attitudes on behalf of Bord Bia in May 2011 found:
- Over 1.5m Irish adults had purchased organic food in the previous week
- 73% of consumers are either very likely or fairly likely to purchase organic food in the future
Commenting on National Organic Week Teresa Brophy, Manager Ireland Market, Bord Bia said “National Organic Week gives consumers a unique opportunity to get to know their local suppliers and learn more about how organic food is produced. There is a wonderful range of events taking place around the country and we’re encouraging consumers to get involved and enjoy organic food first-hand from their local organic producers”.
In addition, the National Organic Awards will take place in Bord Bia, tomorrow, Monday 12th September at 12 noon where Irish organic producers will be awarded in a range of categories including: Best Organic Confectionery & Baked Goods; Best Organic Grocery; Best Organic Dairy Product; Best Organic Prepared Food Product; Best Organic Fruit & Vegetable; Best Organic Meat Product; Best Organic Seafood Product; and Best Organic Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic Beverage.