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Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine discussed a range of opportunities and issues in the Organic Sector with a delegation from the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA).  The meeting took place this morning at the Department offices in Dublin.

The delegation included Dr Sinead Neiland, Chairperson of IOFGA, Mr Desmond Thorpe, Organic Farmer, Sean Clancy, Clanwood Organic Farm and Grace Maher, IOFGA Development Officer.

Having discussed a wide range of topics including education, GM, CAP Reform and the Organic Farming Action Plan, the Minister emphasised that even in these difficult times, there is real potential for growth in the Organic Sector. While the Minister noted that the value of the organic market in Ireland had decreased from €124m in 2009 to €100m at end of February, 2011, he highlighted the fact that an additional €25m approximately is earned through direct organic sales viz farmers markets, box schemes, farm gate sales and individual websites. 

"Consumer confidence in the integrity of our organic produce is vital.  I believe that the five Organic Control Bodies in Ireland play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of Irish Organic Produce and therefore its market potential", the Minister of State said. "There are lucrative markets both at home and abroad for Irish Organic produce and I urge farmers to avail of the opportunities that clearly exist".