merrion street

Speaking at the opening of the National Organic Conference in Tullamore, Co. Offaly today, Tom Hayes TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine acknowledged the work carried out by the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS), Teagasc and Bord Bia and their commitment to the development of the Organic Sector in Ireland.

Minister Hayes highlighted the opportunities that exist for Irish Organic produce both at home and abroad. Referring to the National Action Plan on Green Public Procurement he stated “this Action Plan commits the public sector to play an exemplary sustainability role through it procurement activities.” Minister Hayes acknowledged however that “as many catering contracts have been in place prior to the issue of the plan the potential benefits of this Action Plan have not yet been realised. I would expect that significant opportunities will arise for organic producers in the very near future as the contracts come up for renewal”.

Minister Hayes concluded “I am convinced that with all the stakeholders of the industry working together, there is a bright future for Organics in Ireland”.