Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 547: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if Ireland is on track to achieve a target of 3% of land area in organic farming by 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19632/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In its report, which was completed in April 2002, the organic development committee concluded that a target of 3% of land area in organic farming by 2006 was achievable. Despite substantial funding from my Department and the efforts of the various stakeholders, however, the size of the organic sector remains more or less static. As a result, it now appears unlikely that the target can be achieved by 2006. I understand that this is one of the matters that will be dealt with in a report from the chairman of the national steering group for the organic sector, which I expect to receive shortly.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 548: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress made to date with regard to the development of a single national organic label for Irish organic produce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19634/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand the national steering group for the organic sector has decided to recommend that the development of a single national organic label should not be proceeded with in the foreseeable future. I will consider this recommendation in the context of a report from the chairman of the steering group, which I expect to receive shortly.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 549: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of the overall domestic meat, fruit and vegetable market which is sourced from organic produce; the breakdown of each sector; the percentage of the organic food market here in meat, fruit and vegetables which is sourced from Irish and imported produce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19635/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In 2003 the value of the Irish organic food market as a whole was estimated at €38 million. This represents less than 1% of the total food market. Imported produce represents approximately 70% of all organic produce sold in Ireland, although this includes foods which are out of season in this country or could not be produced here. Full details giving a breakdown of the organic food market by sector are not available at present. However my Department has asked Bord Bia to carry out a retail market channel study this year and the results of the study are expected to yield such information.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 550: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the size of the Irish organic meat export market; the countries to which such produce is exported; the initiatives which have been taken to develop the organic meat export market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19636/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The report of the organic development committee, published in April 2002, recommended that initially the promotion of organic food should focus on Irish products which have already achieved a niche in the home market and that, as supply increases, there should be a growing emphasis on developing export markets. Supply of organic beef is now increasing and export opportunities are being availed of principally in the UK and also in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy.

Bord Bia is active in assisting organic beef exports by supplying market information and facilitating customer contacts in particular. Assistance was provided to an organic meat producer to attend the SIAL food exhibition in Paris in 2004.

The situation will be kept under review, especially in the light of the likely further increase in the uptake of the organic farming supplementary measure in REPS 3 and the corresponding rise in the number of organic beef animals available to the market in the coming years.