Opportunity knocks for sustainable farming

A new strategy for our organic sector is in the offing, reports

In the EU, farmers must go through a two-year conversion period before they can sell their produce as organic.

Ireland has just under 2pc of its farmers certified organic, which is one of the lowest rates in Europe.

A public consultation has been opened by Minister for Food, Forestry and Horticulture Andrew Doyle on a strategic plan for the development of the sector.

This will close on May 31 and is a timely initiative to help assess the immediate and future needs of the sector.

Last month, the Organic Sector Strategy Group held its inaugural meeting. The group established by Minister Doyle is tasked with implementing a strategy for the sector up to 2025.

The group comprises of representatives of the department, organic certification bodies, Teagasc, Bord Bia, farm organisations and a wide range of stakeholders from the meat, dairy, horticulture, cereals and aquaculture sectors.

Minister Doyle said: “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”.

He has appointed Martin Hegarty, a former assistant secretary of the Department of Agriculture, to chair the group.

There is no doubt that the sector is in its infancy here, but Irish organic products are well received both here and in export markets.

Supply chain

There are obvious supply chain deficits in cereals and horticulture where products must be imported to meet demand.

And the potential for Irish exports in sectors such as dairy is not being exploited as there are insufficient volumes available due to the small number of farmers operating in the sector.

In terms of meeting sustainability criteria, organic farmers will be required to adopt shortened supply chains in sourcing animal feed in the future.

There are obvious growth opportunities for farmers in the organic sector. A clear strategy on how best to harness these opportunities will be welcomed by organic producers and potential new entrants.