Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:18 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the targets he and his Department have for organic food production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9167/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 24 March 2004
Ceisteanna (18, 19)
Freagraí scríofa
The organic development committee, in its 2002 report, estimated that a target of 3% of land area in organic farming by 2006 was feasible. The census of organic production, published last year, confirms that the land area under organic farming in Ireland is currently less than 1%.
The organic market development group, established on foot of a recommendation in the report, is to examine in detail the individual areas within the organic sector. Following this analysis, the group will review the preliminary 3% land target and also decide whether targets for the individual areas should be set. While I believe that organic farming offers real opportunities to some Irish farmers, particularly in view of the outcome of the mid-term review of the CAP, I believe that any targets set should reflect market realities.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:19 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the research projects his Department funds to promote organic farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9168/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTeagasc, which operates under the aegis of, and is largely funded by my Department, provides integrated research, advisory and training services for the agriculture and food industry in Ireland. Teagasc has a number of organic research projects in progress. These include research into dairy, beef and sheep production systems, and tillage. The projects are located at the organic farm at Mellows centre in Galway, which, I am pleased to say, has become a dedicated organic research unit this year.
The partnership expert working group, established on foot of a recommendation in the report of the organic development committee, co-ordinates, facilitates and monitors the provision of training, education, advice and research in the organic sector. My Department recently approved a recommendation from this group to carry out a literature review of the organic poultry feed situation across Europe, along with a comprehensive examination of the situation in Ireland. I will await with interest the outcome of this study, as I am conscious of the problems that exist for organic poultry producers in relation to feed.
The group has also identified cereal research as a priority and seed trials will be carried out this year.