Organic Farming.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006

Tuesday, 4 July 2006

Questions (509)

Denis Naughten

Question:

519 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the growth in the level of production in organic produce in the past four years; the corresponding figure for the consumption of organic produce here; her plans to develop a single national label for organic produce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25862/06]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The organic sector in Ireland remains small by European standards but 2005 saw increases both in the production base and in the numbers of organic operators registered with the Department. The total area in conversion or with full organic status rose by nearly 5,000 hectares to 35,266 hectares in 2005, which was an increase of some 15%, and the number of organic operators went from 1,004 to 1,090. My Department carried out a census of organic production in 2002, and consideration is being given to a further census in 2006 so that effective comparisons can be made at sectoral level.

The Irish organic market has witnessed strong growth levels over recent years to reach an estimated €66 million at retail level in 2005, compared to €38 million at the end of 2003. The indications are that this trend will continue in the medium term.

The Report of the Organic Development Committee in 2002 recommended a national label for Irish organic food. The National Steering Group took up this recommendation for the Development of the Organic Sector. After some consideration, they concluded that the idea of a single national label for organic produce should be put on hold for now. There is not yet a consensus among stakeholders about what such a label should signify. The Steering Group also noted that the European Action Plan for Organic Food and Farming includes proposals for a EU information campaign, which will no doubt be aimed at raising consumers' awareness of organic food. The Steering Group concluded that it was not practical at present to go ahead with an Irish national label for organic produce, and advised me accordingly. I accepted the Group's advice.