Written answers

Thursday, 14 July 2022

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Organic Farming

Photo of Paul MurphyPaul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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39. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions that he is taking to promote organic farming for local consumption and direct farmers' markets. [38533/22]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine reconvened the Organic Strategy Forum this year, the members of which are undertaking a full examination of the Organic Sector. The Forum includes representatives of small-scale and artisinal organic producers and processors. It also includes Bord Bia as the agency responsible for the promotion and marketing of Irish food, drink and horticulture, is taking a lead role in regard to this .

In their presentations to the Forum, Bord Bia has committed to helping the organic sector develop by building on their current activities in a way that can benefit the sector through targeted market development and promotional activity. Working closely with their organic client companies through capability development also ensures that they are best placed to capitalise on any opportunities that arise on the domestic or export markets for Irish organic produce.

Following extensive market research and organic stakeholder engagement over the past year, Bord Bia identified a need to develop a strong promotional platform to support sales of organic products at domestic retail level. With this in mind Bord Bia is collaborating with major Irish retailers to raise awareness of the range and availability of organic produce from Ireland among consumers. Bord Bia has developed digital and in-store promotional materials for the Organics from Ireland campaign, which can be used by retailers to highlight their organic Irish beef, lamb, dairy, seafood, eggs, and prepared consumer foods.

Irish food markets are an extremely valuable link for consumers to our farmers and food producers and provide an opportunity for all small farmers and food producers (including those certified organic) to sell their produce and connect with their customers. In recognition of this important route to market Bord Bia have a dedicated section of its website which focuses specifically on preparation for direct selling via this channel. It includes a range of advice in setting up a stall/food market and also a useful location tool for consumers to identify their closest farmers market.

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