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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 4

Written Answers. - Organic Farming.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

15 Ms Coughlan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the studies, if any, that have been carried out by his Department or the agencies under its aegis on the market potential for organic produce; the process being put in place to foster future development of the organic sector in line with market demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13757/00]

(Mr. Walsh): My Department liaises with An Bord Bia and An Bord Glas in developing the market potential of the organic sector. An Bord Bia, which carries out ongoing work in relation to surveying, investigating and developing markets and potential markets for food, believes that the Irish organic sector has the potential to become a significant niche within the overall food market. An Bord Bia is currently preparing a report on the consumer demand for organic produce within Ireland. This study is being carried out in conjunction with An Bord Glas and will be completed in mid June.
Very substantial work is also being done by Teagasc to support the 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. Teagasc also is carrying out research into systems for the production of organic cereals at the organic unit in Johnstown Castle. At present Teagasc have approximately 120 acres under conversion to organic status in Athenry which will serve as a demonstration farm. They intend using this facility for education and training purposes.
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 environmental 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, the Government 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.
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. I am concerned to build on the work already been done to ensure the integrity of Irish organic produce and to ensure that there are adequate supplies to meet demand .I am confident that 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, provide a solid platform for the development of the organic sector. This area was the focus of a number of recommendations in the report of the Agri-Food 2010 Committee and these will be considered in the context of the comprehensive response to the report which I have promised.
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