Organic Farmers to address Agriculture Committee

30 January 2017

The schedule for the meeting is as follows:

(i) Scrutiny of EU legislative proposals:
Schedule A: COM(2016)750 Geographical Indications - Spirit Drinks;
Schedule B: COM(2016)781 Fishing Opportunities - Black Sea; and

(ii) Challenges within the Organic Farming Sector
[Representatives from the Organic Farmers Representative Body]

Committee Chair, Pat Deering TD, said: “Organic farmers face special challenges in the agri-food industry, for example, issues around chemical-free weed control and fertilizer. Farming organically on an industrial scale is difficult, leading to difficulty in being profitable. On the other hand, there are significant opportunities for organic farming in Ireland, due to an increasing demand for organic produce and the value of Ireland’s green image when it comes to marketing opportunities. The organic farming sector is one which offers strong potential for expansion, provided it is properly supported. The previous Committee made a number of recommendations on how to support organic farmers and we will be similarly committed to ensuring this sector are given ample support in order to encourage production.”

Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.

ENDS