Ciarán Cuffe
Question:68 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to other EU countries which have more than one organic inspection body. [9218/03]
Written Answers - Organic Production.
I am aware that there are varying systems of organic inspection in EU member states operated either by designated public inspection authorities only by approved private inspection bodies, or by a combination of both. In Ireland three private bodies are currently approved to carry out the functions of inspection and certification under EU regulations for organic crops and crop produce. My Department is considering arrangements for the inspection of the organic livestock sector and is in continuing discussions with these three bodies on the matter.