Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of demand there is for organic food; his views on whether there is potential for this to grow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21852/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish organic retail market was estimated to be worth €124 million in 2009 compared to €66 million in 2006 and €38 million in 2003. There are indications that while the value of the market has fallen within the past twelve months to some €100 million, the actual volume of organic sales has fallen to a much smaller extent and is estimated to have reduced by less than 4%.

The trends in relation to the production and consumption of food over the past few years indicate that Ireland has an increasingly health-conscious consumer who also demands quality, convenience and value. The majority of organic produce sold in Ireland is imported and it is clear that there are opportunities for producers to fill that gap and increase the level of home production as opposed to imported organic produce. I believe, therefore, that there has been a growing demand for organic food which is likely to reappear once the current economic difficulties have been overcome.