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Food Industry Development

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 February 2019

Wednesday, 6 February 2019

Ceisteanna (166)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the objectives of the recently launched organic food strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5927/19]

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Freagraí scríofa

The Strategy for the development of the Organic Food Sector which was launched by my colleague Minister of State Andrew Doyle recognises the opportunities that exist for the Irish Organic Food Sector and provides clear direction for the development of the Sector up to 2025. It aligns the strategic growth plans of the Organic Sector with the broader Foodwise 2025 Strategy for Irish food and drink.

The overall strategic objective is to develop a consumer led viable Organic Food Sector in Ireland enhancing the sustainability credentials of Irish food which will produce a wide range of organic products to meet increasing domestic and export market opportunities. To this end, this Strategy sets measurable strategic objectives for each sub-sector and incorporates actions considered essential to further support the industry’s development and achieve growth targets.

A public consultation process provided an opportunity for all interested parties to contribute to the development of the new strategic plan. The public consultation process combined with an Organic Processing Survey ensured that stakeholders had their views considered, before the finalisation of the Strategy.

Minister of State Doyle is currently in the process of establishing an Implementation Group to ensure we deliver on the actions within the new Strategy. It is anticipated that this group, which will comprise of organic sector stakeholders, will hold an initial meeting in the very near future to drive this Strategy and ensure that the Irish Organic Food Sector realises its full potential in the coming years.

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