Ireland: Organic Action Plan

On April 30, 2008, an organic action plan was launched in Ireland. Speaking at the launch Minister Sargent said that he was committed to achieving the very necessary development of the organic sector in Ireland.

The Minister said that, "the target of 5% of land area in organic production by 2012 set down in the Programme for Government is indeed a challenging target but one that I believe is achievable.The Action Plan is an important development in working towards achievement of the Government's target".

The Action Plan has four main objectives; increase production in line with market trends, increase the knowledge base, develop the organic market at home and abroad, and encourage the development of public procurement opportunities for organic products. There are over 60 actions identified in the Plan.

Currently around 1 percent of Ireland's agricultural land is organic (almost 40'000 hectares) , which is below the EU's average.

Source: Homepage of the Green party of Ireland: April 30, 2008: Sargent launches action plan to increase organic production in Ireland

Further information

Info at the homepage of the Irish Green Party
Organic-Europe.Net: Current organic farming statistics
Organic-World.Net: Ireland