Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the apparent success of bringing over two specialist agronomists from the UK on a pilot basis in 2006 to share their experience in relation to organic agriculture with farmers here, on making such expertise available year round to farmers who seek such expertise; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9089/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The National Steering Group for the Organic Sector, which was established to aid the development of the organic sector in Ireland, approved a proposal to bring in organic agronomic expertise from abroad on a trial basis in 2006. The Steering Group took the view that the tillage and horticulture areas within the organic sector could benefit most from such an input of expertise. Lack of technical expertise has been recognised as a barrier to progress in both the organic tillage and organic horticulture areas. Accordingly my Department, in conjunction with Teagasc, arranged to bring in two specialist agronomists from the UK.

The two specialists shared their experience, through a series of farm visits and workshops, with Teagasc advisers and agricultural consultants as well as with organic tillage farmers and vegetable growers. The initial feedback from this pilot programme has been very positive. I am confident that growers, advisers and consultants have a higher level of expertise as a result. I understand that the National Steering Group for the Organic Sector is considering the possibility of further initiatives of the same kind.