Press release
Ministers McConalogue and Hackett launch National Organic Strategy 2024 – 2030
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., and Minister of State with responsibility for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett, have launched the new National Organic Strategy for 2024-2030.
Speaking at the launch of the Strategy in the Organic Village at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, County Laois, Minister McConalogue said:
“I committed €256 million to organic farming in the new CAP Strategic Plan, and it is rewarding to see that investment already beginning to bear fruit. We also recently saw this acknowledged by the Climate Change Advisory Council report, which praised the Government’s commitment to organic farming. The Organic forum, led by Padraig Brennan, has produced a Strategy that is balanced and credible, which identifies a significant opportunity for Ireland in moving to a position of world leadership in organic farming.”
Continuing, Minister McConalogue said:
“I welcome the focus on ensuring that organic farmers, fishers and food producers are competitive and productive, with enhanced well-being and economic sustainability. The incomes of our producers are central and critical to the success of our Strategy, as they are the bedrock of our world-class organic agri-food sector. The Strategy recognises the crucial role organic farming has and will continue to play in rural and coastal communities, and in achieving balanced regional development for the country as a whole. Ireland is the sustainable food capital of the world, and this strategy is a key part of Food Vision 2030, which underlines the important linkages between food and health and nutrition, and the fundamental importance of food safety and quality in achieving a premium position in key markets. I am delighted that the Government endorses and supports the strategy, and I look forward to working with all stakeholders in its implementation.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett, said:
“Today’s launch of the National Organic Strategy is a significant milestone in the continued development of the sector. I would like to thank the members of the Organic Strategy Forum and its Chair Padraig Brennan for all of their work on the Strategy, and indeed for everything they’ve done over the past number of years to grow and promote the sector. Since 2021 we have seen unprecedented growth in organic farming in Ireland, and our aim now is to reach 10% of land being farmed organically by 2030. We have an ambitious aim in this Strategy to treble the wholesale value of organic output to €750 million by 2030, which will ultimately benefit the thousands of Irish farmers who have converted to organics in recent years. Organic farming is embedded in government policy, through Food Vision 2030, the CAP Strategic Plan, the Climate Action Plan, the new Green Public Procurement Strategy and the increased investment by Bord Bia and Teagasc in supporting organic food production. A key element of our ambition is to increase organic processing capacity, and this year we doubled the support available and increased the grant rate significantly in response to the growing demand for Irish organic produce. Organic farming delivers for climate, water quality, biodiversity and soil; we have made huge strides over the first half of this decade and this Strategy sets out the roadmap to do even more between now and 2030.”
Padraig Brennan, chair of the Organic Forum, concluded:
“The Strategy sets out a clear vision for the sector, supported by six strategic priorities and 51 actions that span the full value chain, from farming and food production through to trade customers and consumers, aimed at driving significant growth in the value of organic farming and food production.
The implementation plan clearly outlines the responsibilities of each stakeholder to ensure the delivery of our collective ambitions. This will drive the work programme of the Organic Forum in the period ahead, and ensure that we position the organic sector strongly in Ireland, and, increasingly, in export markets.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
Ambition to 2030
Increase in wholesale food value from €200mn today to €750mn by 2030.
Organic beef numbers will double in 2025 compared to this year, estimated to increase to 12,000 tonnes by 2030 from 4000 tonnes today.
Organic sheep numbers will treble in 2026 compared to this year, estimated to increase to 3000 tonnes to 2030 from approx. 500 tonnes today.
Milk production could double to 40mn l by 2030 from approx. 20mn today.
Tillage area expected to more than double by 2030, oats and combicrops (protein and cereal) offer major opportunities. A DAFM organic feed survey estimates a need for 50,000 tonnes of livestock feed (concentrates and straights) this winter. Approx 30,000 tonnes of this will be imported.
Poultry production could increase significantly from today with potential for a 50% increase in egg production to 53 mn eggs annually.
Pork has major opportunities to grow particularly though direct sales albeit from a low base.
Horticulture. In line with the national strategy for horticulture considerable potential exits for growth. Imports currently account for approx. 70% of retail sales in Ireland. Aim is to reduce this to less than 50% by 2030.
Aquaculture. Ireland is by far the leading producer in the EU with a 42% market share followed by Italy (16%) and France (8%) scope for future growth is recognised by all stakeholders.
Key priorities are
Supporting Organic Farming Participation:
• Provide financial and technical assistance to encourage participation in organic farming.
• Facilitate access to land and resources for aspiring organic farmers.
• Implement initiatives to attract young farmers into the organic sector.
Coordinating the Value Chain:
• Strengthen connections between farmers and processors to streamline operations.
• Expand processing networks to accommodate the growing organic sector.
• Shorten supply chains to optimise efficiency.
• Increase distribution capacity to meet rising demand.
Growing the Domestic Market:
• Conduct market research to understand consumer preferences and needs.
• Clarify the benefits of organic food to consumers through targeted campaigns.
• Raise awareness and preference for Irish organic products among the domestic population.
Driving Export Growth:
• Gain insights into market trends to capitalise on export opportunities.
• Promote Irish organic food in international markets, leveraging its reputation for quality and safety.
• Highlight the environmental credentials of Irish organic food to appeal to eco-conscious consumers abroad.
• Support exporters in accessing new markets through trade agreements and initiatives.
• Explore the opportunities around labelling to maximise the visibility and credibility of Irish organic products in foreign markets.
Expanding Public Procurement:
• Support the new clear guidelines for green public procurement to prioritise organic products.
• Promote the availability and appeal of Irish organic produce in public institutions and facilities.
Boosting Skills and Support:
• Facilitate knowledge exchange among organic farmers to share best practices and innovations.
• Implement education and training programs to enhance skills and expertise in organic farming.
• Encourage research and development initiatives to drive innovation and sustainability in the organic sector.
• Foster collaboration among industry stakeholders to address common challenges and opportunities.
• Strengthen networking platforms to facilitate communication and cooperation within the organic sector.
• Enhance the business capability of the organic sector through capacity-building initiatives and support services.
National Irish Organic Strategy 2024 to 2030
