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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 6

Written Answers. - Organic Farming.

Brendan Smith

Question:

27 Mr. B. Smith 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. [17675/00]

Most official agricultural and trade statistics do not separate organic products from conventional agricultural products, and consequently the available data on the production and consumption of organic products are limited. However, it is currently estimated that organic food products represent just under 1% of the total food sales in Ireland. There is some evidence that demand for organic food is increasing. Organic production is essentially market-driven and I am satisfied that the level of demand is such as to ensure the continuing growth of organic farming.

The development of the organic sector is being promoted both directly by my Department and also by bodies under the Department's aegis. My Department is providing financial support for the sector through the national development plan and through the rural development plan for the period 2000-2006 which is being considered by the European Commission at present. The rural development plan includes proposals for a new rural environmental protection scheme, and these proposals include continuing support for REP scheme 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.

I have accepted the recommendation of the Agri-Food 2010 Committee for the establishment of an organic development committee and arrangements are in hand to establish the committee at an early date.

My Department liaises with Bord Bia and Bord Glas in developing the market potential of the organic sector. 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. 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 Bord Glas and will be completed shortly. Substantial work is also being done by Teagasc to support the development of the organic sector through research projects, education and training.

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