Contact: Noreen Gibney, Operations Manager,
Some general Comments on the Organic section of the Report. Government support should be available to the Organic Certification Bodies who have been to the forefront in the development of the Irish organic sector. The Organic Certification Bodies should establish a contractual arrangement for work carried out under EU Regulations. Without much voluntary goodwill by these bodies, little progress would have been achieved in the sector. With over 32,000 hectares under production at the end of 1999 (representing .65% of agricultural production), it is now time to consider this sector as a viable option for the Irish farmer.
IOFGA supports a common Irish organic certification body, inspectorate and set of production standards. To date we have been able to achieve a forum for discussion on the development of a common Irish organic standard.
Below are the comments, which I would like to make on the questionnaire.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Under 'Assuring Food Quality'
It is extremely important that Ireland's reputation as a quality food producer is upheld. The setting of national targets for the conversion to organic food production would continue to enhance Irelands image as a food producer overseas. Many European (industrial nations) have set national targets. Irelands export potential could only improve as a result.
Organic farming is a viable option for many part time farmers. Attention should be given to educating and training these farmers; who will be our farmers of the future. Training programmes should be carried out in the evenings (night classes) to cater for these farmers.
The research by Bord Bia and Teagasc should include organically fed stock.
The impact of breeding and feeding and its effects on grading should also be made known to farmers.
The questionnaire does not state whom the education programme is for i.e. "launch a co-ordinated education programme'.
Under heading 'Developing Strategic Partnerships Along The Food Chain'
The Irish Organic Farmers' and Growers' Association (IOFGA Ltd) would not agree with central distribution (food miles) and see no advantage in same. Grow local sell local is a growing market concept in many overseas countries, and should not be overlooked.
Under the heading 'Encouraging Land Mobility and Early Transfer'
Young people are not encouraged to take up farming. Organic farming training is currently in large carried out by Organic Certification Bodies, two organic centres (soon to be three), with little or no funding. Training and education through all sectors of the education and agricultural sector should be encouraged.
Further assistance should be given to encourage people to live on the land and to keep people in rural areas.
The first £2000 lease income should be index linked.
Under the heading 'Changing Agricultural Education and Training'
See above under mobility and land transfer. Organic farmers constantly state that there is no education or training at a local level; they learn from existing organic farmers. REPS planning agents and agricultural advisers have not been well briefed in the subject have thus discouraged farmers from converting to organic farming. Ireland is now running into a situation where a quantum leap (particularly in the past 2 months) in the number of abattoirs registered to slaughter and process organic animals, will leave it very difficult to source sufficient numbers of Irish organic animals. More farmers need to be educated on the benefits of the system. As organic certification bodies set the standards these bodies should be given a budget for education and training. The training should be for REPS planning agents, agricultural consultants and farmers.
Under the heading 'Responding to the Development of Biotechnology'
It is essential that clear labelling of GMO foods becomes mandatory. Organic Certification Bodies should be given details of any proposed sites to be used for trails or the growing of GMO crops, to allow Organic Certification Bodies to stand up to high standards of 'no GMO' presence in organic food. The latter policy has already been adopted in the UK.
The release of GMO's to the environment would have untold damage to the image of Irish food overseas. Funds should be directed towards other agricultural systems such as organic farming to maintain consumer confidence in Irish food. Why do Irish farmers not jump on the 'band wagon' and become the foremost organic Island, other European countries are striving to do so despite their greater industrialisation.
Under the heading 'Developing Information and Communications Technology'
It is very important that Irish companies have up to date systems in place to develop the agricultural sector. Already IOFGA have highlighted the need to develop its technology systems and training thereon.
Under Support Schemes and Services of DAFRD
It is very important that schemes introduced by the Department of Agriculture take due consideration of bureaucracy involved.
A general comment on schemes is that Agri history shows, only schemes with incentives' work.