Martin Ferris
Question:234 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proportion of horticultural enterprises which have participated to date in the Bord Glas business management training programme. [11654/04]
View answerTuesday, 27 April 2004
Questions (177, 178)
Written answers
The Bord Glas business management training programme has been in operation since 1998. Since that year 235 horticultural enterprises have participated in the programme. Participation dropped from 89 participants in 2000 to 15 in 2002 and the scheme was suspended in 2003 in order to assess the reasons for the large drop in participation.
The programme has been resumed in 2004. To date, this year there have been 20 participants in the programme. An opportunity to participate will be given to the rest of the industry during the year.
Martin Ferris
Question:235 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on whether the potential referred to in An Bord Glas Development Plan 2000-2006 for significant growth in the organic sector is being realised; and the level of growth in the sector since 1998. [11655/04]
View answerBord Bia's comments relate specifically to horticulture and it is clear that there is substantial scope for growth in this sector. Currently the demand for organic fruit and vegetables, even those that can be produced in Ireland, is frequently met by imports. There is a gap in the market that provides an opportunity for farmers willing to consider it, particularly after decoupling when farmers will be able to consider a wider range of options.
The organic sector in Ireland as a whole remains small, however, in comparison to some other countries in the EU, although it has grown in recent years and sales of organic food were worth €38 million in 2003. Currently there are some 1,000 organic operators registered with my Department, and approximately 30,000 hectares of land are being farmed to organic standards.
A national steering group, established on foot of a recommendation in the organic development committee report, acts as the driving force for the development of the sector. It also monitors progress on the implementation of the recommendations. As part of the implementation strategy, a draft organic horticultural development plan, prepared in consultation with relevant stakeholders, will be presented to the next meeting of the group.