Press release
Doyle launches new strategy for the development of the Irish Organic Food Sector
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle TD, has today launched a new seven-year strategy for the development of the Irish organic food sector. The Strategy 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 Mr. 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% 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.
The Minister added:
"This Strategy is further evidence of the commitment of this government to the Irish organic sector. Under our Rural Development Programme (2014-2020) 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% increase on the position in 2014."
The Minister concluded:
"I wish to pay tribute to the work carried out by the Strategy group for their commitment to the further development of the organic sector. Our focus now moves the priority to delivering the actions identified within the new Strategy. I am determined to put in place the structures to ensure that the implementation process enjoys the priority it deserves. To this end I have asked Martin Heraghty to continue his work and Chair an implementation group for this Strategy. I will be making a further announcement in due course on the membership of this Group and will expect them to have their first meeting in the very near future to drive this Strategy and the Irish organic food sector to realise its full potential in the coming years."
ENDS
In March 2018 Minister of State Doyle established Organic Sector Strategy Group tasked with developing a strategy for the development of the Organic Food for the period up to 2025.
The Terms of Reference of the Organic Sector Strategy Group established in March 2018 by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are as follows:
The objective of the strategy is to develop a viable Organic Food Sector in Ireland producing a wide range of organic products to meet the ever increasing domestic and export markets opportunities.
The formulation of this Strategic Plan was enhanced by the extensive response to the public consultation process combined with an organic processors survey.
This strategy sets out measurable strategic objectives for each subsector and incorporates actions considered essential to further support industry’s development and achieve growth targets. This perfectly aligns the strategic growth plans of the Organic sector with the broader FoodWise 2025 Strategy Irish food and drink.
In keeping with Foodwise 2025, the Group agreed that the Strategy needs a verifiable implementation process and has recommended the establishments of a specific Organic Food Strategy Implementation Group. This Group in turn would report periodically to the FW2025 High Level Implementation Committee.
The global organic food market valued at some €106 billion is projected to reach €224 billion by 2022.
Implementation group recommended to maintain continued focus on organic sector and monitor implementation of various actions.
A copy of the Strategy can be found here.