Organic group meets for the first time

THE Inaugural meeting of the new Organic Sector Strategy Group took place Agriculture House on Wednesday, with Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Andrew Doyle in attendance.

The group comprises of representatives of the department, Teagasc, Bord Bia, BIM, IFA, ICMSA, ICSA and a wide range of stakeholders including the organic meat, dairy, horticulture, cereals and aquaculture sectors.

Minister Doyle paid tribute to the work of the previous Organic Focus Group and the progress it made under the stewardship of chairman Mel O’Rourke.

‘During a challenging time for the sector, I commend Mel O’Rourke for his commitment and contribution to the development of the Organic Sector over the past six years.’

Martin Heraghty, a former Assistant Secretary of the Department, was appointed by Minister of State Doyle to chair the new group.

‘I believe Martin who has a wealth of agri-food sector and EU experience, is an excellent choice for Chairman. I want to thank the members of the Organic Sector Strategy Group for taking on this challenge and to thank Martin for agreeing to chair it.’

Minister Doyle also said that while there are challenges facing the new Organic Sector Strategy Group, it will aim to maximise all opportunities out there.

‘ The principal objective of this Group will be to develop a strategy to ensure that the Organic Sector avails of the opportunities that exist and maximises its contribution to economic growth and exports in an environmentally sustainable manner over the coming years.’

The new group is tasked with developing a strategy for the development of the Organic Sector for the period up to 2025. It is expected the draft Organic Sector strategy will be presented to the Minister within six to eight months.