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Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, today addressed the Teagasc National Organic Conference at the Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

The Minister said “While we have seen great changes to our economic landscape, the importance of our indigenous agriculture and food industry has never been as high. It is widely recognised as being fundamental to our export led economic recovery. The Organic Sector can play a role in this development”. The Minister highlighted the opportunities that exist for Irish organic produce both at home and abroad. Referring to Biofach 2012, the most important trade event for organic food in the international calendar, Minister McEntee stated that “the 15 Irish companies which exhibited were excellent organic ambassadors and clearly showed that Irish Organic Food has the high quality and standard required to compete on the world stage”.

The Minister also pointed out that the proposals presented by the European Commission on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy contain positive elements in relation to the Organic Sector. “In particular”, the Minister said, “the greening provision could support our plans for smart, green growth in Irish agriculture, the potential of which is reflected in the Food Harvest 2020 Report”. The focus of the Organic Conference was on the challenges and opportunities for Organic producers. Details of the speaker and topics covered are available on the Teagasc website.

Notes for Editor:

The Teagasc National Organic Conference is an important event that is scheduled at this time of year to coincide with National Organic Week. Topics that will be covered at the Teagasc National Organic Conference will include:

· The future of CAP and EU Organic Policy

· Soil Quality, Indicators, Nutrient Supply, Compost

· Research Updates

· Organic Farmers Working together – Producer Group Stories