Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 3

Written Answers. - Organic Farming.

Billy Kelleher

Question:

18 Mr. Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the assessment, if any, carried out by his Department or its agencies on the market potential for organic foods and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9715/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The organic farming sector is a fast-developing one and is reacting to the demands for produce produced in an environmentally friendly fashion. I expect the demand for organic foods will continue to grow and I believe that this will lead to an increased awareness of the market potential for these products in the retail sector.

My Department liaises with Bord Bia and An Bord Glas in developing the market potential of the organic sector. As recently as 14 March, Bord Glas hosted a major conference for the organic sector at which keynote speakers from both the public and private sectors delivered papers identifying the growth potential at production and market level. Bord Bia, which carries out ongoing work in relation to surveying, investigating and developing markets and potential markets for food, believes that the organic sector has the potential to become a significant niche within the overall food market.

Very substantial work is also being done by Teagasc which will contribute to the growth and development of the organic sector. A new research project on organic milk production commenced during 1999 at the Teagasc organic unit at Johnstown Castle in County Wexford. This new research project will also address the production of organic cereals to meet the needs for adequate supplies of organic concentrates essential for milk production. The Teagasc research centre at Oakpark, in conjunction with the organic milk production unit, is carrying out research into systems for the production of organic cereals at the organic unit in Johnstown Castle. Further research into organic production is currently being embarked upon by Teagasc at their Athenry facility.

It is evident that the demand for organic produce outstrips supply and I am satisfied that the level of demand in itself will ensure the continuing growth of the organic sector. In addition, however, my Department is providing support for the sector through the provision of funding in the national development plan and in the rural development plan for the period 2000-2006 which is being considered by the European Commission at present. Proposals for a new agri-environmental scheme modelled on the provisions of the current rural environment protection scheme have been included in the rural development plan and these proposals include continuing support for REPS participants who opt to enter organic farming. In addition, Ireland has made a provision of £6 million in the national development plan for the development of the organic sector under the regional programmes for the Border, midland and western region and the south and east region.

My primary concern is to build on the work already being done to ensure the integrity of Irish organic produce and to ensure that there are adequate supplies to meet demand. I am confident that, with the benefit of the work being done by Bord Glas, Bord Bia and Teagasc, the continuing supports available through REPS and the proposals for continued funding for the sector which are included in the national development plan, Irish organic producers will be well placed to meet the increasing market demand.