Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 5

Written Answers. - Organic Development Committee.

Tony Killeen

Question:

36 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the progress being made to date by the Organic Development Committee in its remit to develop a coherent development strategy for the production, processing and marketing of organic food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9125/01]

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

The Organic Development Committee met on 27 November 2000 and again on 23 January 2001. At its first meeting, the committee established three sub-groups. These sub-groups were asked to examine specific issues and report to the main committee. The committee also placed advertisements in the national newspapers inviting submissions on the matters that had been referred to the sub-groups. A considerable number of submissions were received as a result.

At its second meeting in January, the main committee heard progress reports from the three sub-groups, and had an extensive discussion about the constraints affecting the development of the organic sector in Ireland. One of the sub-groups has been asked to consider points of difference between the standards for organic livestock provided for in EU regulation and those recommended by the three Irish organic farming bodies. The second group has the widest remit. It will report on where market intelligence can be obtained and how it should be used, on the establishment of an effective quality assurance system, and on opportunities for improved marketing and promotion. It will also recommend a national label that will be available to all Irish organic producers and processors. The third sub-group has been asked to identify priorities in the areas of research, advice, training and education that would enhance the scope for development of the Irish organic sector, and to recommend what actions the State and the private sector respectively should take.

The three sub-groups have each had a number of meetings and have made substantial progress. I am encouraged by the energy and commitment that have been shown by all the participants both in the sub-groups and in the work of the main organic development committee.

I had asked the committee to report to me by the end of April. This target date has had to be reconsidered because the foot and mouth emergency has made it necessary to postpone a number of meetings, and as a result I have asked my Department to consider what other arrangements can be made to bring the committee's work to completion as quickly as possible.