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FORMER leader of the Green party and the newest member of the De- partment of Agriculture, Trevor Sar- gent, this week made his first official statement since entering government by urging consumers to look at or- ganic foods.
Speaking at the launch of Bord Bia’s “Think Organic” summer cam- paign, the newly appointed Minister for Food and Horticulture at the De- partment of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, reminded consumers that everyone benefits from buying pro- duce in season.
“The benefits to the consumer and
the Irish producer are obvious, but there is also a much wider effect in terms of worldwide sustainabil- ity and reducing unnecessary food miles which are a significant factor in climate change,” he said.
“Consumers have an important role also in supporting organic produc- tion. When shopping it is important to buy in season organic food but also to check that produce has a label from one of the three registered Irish organic certification bodies as well as a producer licence number, Irish organic farmers operate to the high- est standard.”
The campaign, which runs un- til July 15, aims to continue rais-
ing consumer awareness of organic food, how to recognise it when shop- ping and where to buy it. Market- ing activities during the campaign will include outdoor advertising and consumer information leaflets with tips and recipes as well as informa- tion about local farmers market, box scheme deliveries and farm shops.
“The development of the organic sector 1S a priority in the new Pro- eramme for Government,” continued Sargent.
“A key objective is to grow the amount of certified organic produc- tion in Ireland from less than 1 per cent to 5 per cent of overall agricul- tural output. As 75 per cent of organ-
ic food consumed here is imported much of this growth will also mean many opportunities for import sub- stitution.”
Minister Sargent also confirmed that National Organic Week will be held this year from Monday, October PIR KOW Ze
“The success of the National Or- ganic Week depends upon the full involvement at local and regional level of as many organic producers and processors as possible,’ he con- tinued. “I’m calling on all organic producers and processors to play their part this year to make the very most of it.”