Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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2029. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of tonnes of organic lamb and organic beef, respectively that were produced in Ireland in each of the years 2008 to 2021, in tabular form; the markets that consumed the total tonnage produced for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2561/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Specific information on the production volumes for both organic beef and lamb are not routinely collected, as the data is included in the overall production figures for both species. Estimates are outlined in the tables below*. These production estimations are not a guarantee of end market.

Specific information on the export destination for Organic beef and lamb is also difficult to quantify given that CSO data does not categorise product as organic.

Currently the largest proportion of organic lamb produced in Ireland is destined for the German market with the balance going to the domestic market.

From consultation with the two major organic beef processors, they have confirmed that a significant proportion of the organic beef they process is destined for customers on the domestic market with all of the major retailers in the Irish market listing organic beef in some capacity.  Irish organic beef is also exported to Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands and the Nordics however the exact volumes exported are not currently available.

The next CAP provides for a significant increase in funding for the Organic Farming Scheme to over €250 million and will lead to greater area and production of organic product in Ireland. 

*Organic lamb production (estimations)and*Organic beef production (estimations)

<a href="">ProductionEstimatesOrganicBeefandLamb </a>

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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2030. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the markets that have been developed by the organic associations and by Bord Bia between 2009 and 2021 for organic beef, organic lamb and organic milk; the new markets that have been secured and that will be secured for each organic product in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2562/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Bord Bia is the state agency responsible for the marketing of Irish organic produce and are currently building on their current activities through targeted development and promotional activity. 

From a business expansion perspective, Bord Bia will continue to invest in identifying and supporting export market opportunities for Irish organic companies including those seeking to export beef, lamb and milk products through their network of overseas offices and trade events such as the BioFach trade fair in July 2022. 

During 2021 Bord Bia commissioned research into the German Organic Market and are planning to undertake a similar exercise in the Nordic markets in 2022.  

Subject to travel restrictions, Bord Bia plan to deliver a Ministerial trade mission to Germany with five selected retailers in July 2022 to help advance activities in Europe’s largest organic market.

It is appreciated that real challenges exist when it comes to growing and co-ordinating the supply base so that the sector is well placed to benefit from the growing demand for organic produce. 

To address this issue Bord Bia is currently engaging with Irish retailers to identify opportunities to work together to promote Irish organic produce. Specifically, Bord Bia are engaging directly with two Irish retailers to encourage purchase of organic ranges.

The last 12-18 months have seen increased interest and emphasis on Irish organic produce.  Organic is no longer a niche category but a ‘sought after commodity’.  

Retailers have also expressed ongoing interest in growing the category and this is reflected in recent in-store / merchandising investments. 

The increasing consumer recognition of organic produce and its linkage to reducing the carbon footprint of the sector is a key component of my Department’s commitment to develop, nurture and grow Ireland's reputation as a quality exporter of organic produce.