This article is from page 38 of the 2008-05-06 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 38 JPG
A NEW plans for the development of organic farming in Ireland was last week given a cautious welcome by the farming organisations. Speaking at the launch, the ICSA’s Rural De- velopment Chairman, Gabriel Gil- martin, welcomed the plan as a step in the right direction.
‘This is a positive step as it widens the choice of production possibilities for farmers and clearly shows that the Government is committed to de- veloping the sector,” he said.
“ICSA feels that, in the rapidly changing dynamics of food mar- kets and food production, providing farmers with another option is a posi-
tive step.
“However, it is all about the bottom line, and if the Department of Agri- culture is serious about achieving the five per cent target for organic pro- duction in Ireland, then the resources and commitment must be available in realistic terms.”
Farmers will not undertake the ex- pense and labour-intensive conver- sion process without solid, long term backing from the authorities.”
Speaking at the launch of the Organ- ic Farming Action Plan 2008-2012, Minister for Food and Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture, Fish- eries and Food, Trevor Sargent, said that he was committed to achieving the very necessary development of
the organic sector in Ireland.
‘The action plan was an important development in working towards achievement of the Government’s target’, and he thanked the members of the National Steering Group for their input into the document,” he SrHKGe
“The National Steering Group will have a crucial role in guiding and overseeing progress on the action plan. I intend to bring together key industry leaders, opinion makers, agricultural academics with some of Ireland’s top organic farmers and erowers to better appreciate what organic farming is and to dispel any misconceptions that may exist.
“The programme for Government
five per cent target is indeed chal- lenging. I am confident that, with the full support of all stakeholders, implementation of the actions out- lined in the plan will greatly assist in achieving the target.”
The action plan has four main ob- jectives; increase production in line with market trends, increase the knowledge base, develop the organic market at home and abroad, and en- courage the development of public procurement opportunities for or- ganic products. There are over 60 actions identified in the plan.
Since 2005 there has been an in- crease of more than 17 per cent in the area under organic production in Ireland.