Blas na hEireann the Irish National Food Awards are inviting people to enter the annual awards. The winners will be announced at the Dingle Food and Wine Festival in 1-3rd of October. All produce will be blind tasted by the judges and overseen by UCC. To enter the awards simply log onto www.irishfoodawards.com and download an entry form.

From yesterday July 1st the new EU organic logo is now compulsory on pre-packaged organic goods that have 95% organic ingredients. EU rules on organic food labelling also require producers to indicate the place of farming of the food products and the code number of the national authorisation body in charge of organic controls. The idea of the new logo is to help promote organic food throughout the EU and ensure that consumers recognise that products which carry the new logo are farmed and produced to strict organic standards. The organic sector welcomes the new logo and is positive that it will instil consumer confidence and help the organic sector to expand throughout Europe.

Groomes Wholesalers are looking to expand their organic range and are looking for Irish organic produce. Certified organic growers who are interested should contact them on tel 01 – 690416. Groomes are particularly interested in sourcing the following crops; broccoli, cabbage, cauliflour, celery, cucumbers, french beans, leeks, peppers, spinach and large and cherry tomatoes.