merrion street

Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, today addressed the Teagasc National Organic Conference at the Ballykisteen Hotel & Golf Resort, Ballykisteen, Limerick Junction, Co. Tipperary.

The Minister said "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Director, Professor Gerry Boyle, for giving me the honour of speaking at this important event, which focuses primarily on the challenges and opportunities for organic producers today."

The Minister added "From my perspective, I fully accept that there are challenges for organic producers and processors but I am equally confident that the domestic and export opportunities that exist will provide ample reward for all the hard work, time and effort. My primary objective is to encourage farmers to take advantage of these domestic and export opportunities and, by doing so, to maximise their potential income."

The Minister also highlighted the fact that there are big opportunities for Irish organic producers and processors, both at home and on the export market. He pointed out that "In the home market, up to 70% of produce in some areas is imported. So there is plenty of scope for Irish producers of organic vegetables, fruit and cereals to replace imports with what they grow themselves."

Details of the speakers and topics covered are available on the Teagasc website.