FOCUS ON THE WICKLOW COUNTRYSIDE New organic food scheme launched
WICKLOW TD Andrew Doyle has launched a new seven-year strategy for the development of the Irish organic food sector to include producers in the Garden County.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, announced the strategy which covers the period 2019 – 2025 and includes sectoral and cross-sectoral recommendations to take account of projected market developments for the sector. It is an industry-led strategy prepared under the chairmanship of Martin Heraghty.
Speaking at the launch of the new Strategy, Minister Doyle said ‘I welcome this comprehensive Strategy setting out a clear vision for the growth of the Irish organic food sector to 2025. We know that the growth opportunities for the sector both nationally and internationally are significant and this Strategy will help the Irish sector realise its potential in realising this opportunity. The Irish Organic retail market is worth €162 million with a further €44 million generated by direct sales. The market for organic food in Ireland grew by 10.5 per cent in 2017.’
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.
‘This Strategy is further evidence of the commitment of this Government to the Irish organic sector. Under our Rural Development Programme (20142020) we set a target to attract 16,000 ha of new land and maintain 46,000 ha of converted land. This target has been exceeded. 72,000 ha of land is currently under organic production which is a 50 per cent increase on the position in 2014,’ Minister Doyle said.