Free range criteria is embedded in the organic standards and now according to the competent authority, certified organic egg producers can apply the marketing standard.

As a result of this clarification, organic egg producers can now describe their eggs as organic and free range. Gillian Westbrook, General Manager, IOFGA stated “This is a fantastic turn around as it allows organic egg producers to legally state how their eggs are produced. In the past it was a marketing disadvantage for our members as consumers did not realise that organic eggs must be free range, now this information is clearly available for consumers. Producers must simply be registered under both pieces of legislation with the Department”.

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For more information please contact;

Gillian Westbrook

General Manager IOFGA,

Tel 087 7819967

Grace Maher

Development Officer IOFGA,

Tel 087 6125989

• Farm Manager
• Sales and Marketing Officer

Job descriptions and further details available by calling 022 26411 or email enquiries@nanonaglebirthplace.ie

Closing date for both vacanices is Friday April 6th.

Grace Maher, Development Officer with IOFGA, stated that “it is economic suicide to be considering growing GM crops in Ireland, especially as Irish agriculture is among the few sectors in growth. This move immediately threatens the export market worth 9.1billion in 2011. Ireland has an excellent reputation internationally as a clean green island that is also a GM free region, and we need to build on this reputation not destroy it”. She went on to add that “In survey after survey European consumers have consistently stated that they do not want GM food. We cannot afford to turn a deaf ear to this in the current economic situation. European consumers want natural food produced in a low input system which is what we have here in Ireland”.

Teagasc continues to pedal this unwanted technology. This current licence application to trial GM potatoes that have blight resistant traits is unnecessary, as there are currently blight resistant potatoes on the market which do not contain GM genes. In this austere economic climate we need to end wasteful public spending immediately and enforce accountability on those who continue to do so.

————————–    ENDS  ————————————-

For more information please contact;

Grace  Maher, Development Officer IOFGA, Tel 087 6125989

Gillian Westbrook, General Manager, IOFGA, Tel 087 7819967

*Please note that registered organic operators will not be allowed to apply for the above positions due to a conflict of interest.

PLEASE NOTE THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE ABOVE POSITIONS HAS CLOSED!

Ms. Westbrook said: “Payments from the AEOS and Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) are being held up for 148 farmers because the species rich grassland criteria under AEOS is considered to be the same as the environmental contribution from organic farming practices. In other words, some officials believe farmers are being paid twice for the same contribution. This is outrageously unfair as farmers were not aware of the change which took place in 2011, especially as it was acceptable for 2010 payments. Furthermore, organic farmers are already limited in criteria options on offer in environmental schemes, and species rich grassland is one that many extensive organic farmers can choose.”

Ms. Westbrook also emphasized that while officials are deciding, no payment will be made for either scheme.  “We need clear guidelines on criteria so that organic farmers can make an informed choice. It is not acceptable to move the goal posts, especially as farmers will have retained areas of land to fulfill the requirements”.

For further details contact:

Gillian Westbrook

IOFGA General Manager, tel 090-64-33680, 087-781-9967

Grace Maher

IOFGA Development Officer, tel  087-612-5989

For more information or to book

contact… training@cloughjordancommunityfarm.ie

or call Davie on 087 6340697

www.cloughjordancommunityfarm.ie

Ms. Westbrook said: “Payments from the AEOS and Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) are being held up for 148 farmers because the species rich grassland criteria under AEOS is considered to be the same as the environmental contribution from organic farming practices. In other words, some officials believe farmers are being paid twice for the same contribution. This is outrageously unfair as farmers were not aware of the change which took place in 2011, especially as it was acceptable for 2010 payments. Furthermore, organic farmers are already limited in criteria options on offer in environmental schemes, and species rich grassland is one that many extensive organic farmers can choose.”

Ms. Westbrook also emphasized that while officials are deciding, no payment will be made for either scheme.  “We need clear guidelines on criteria so that organic farmers can make an informed choice. It is not acceptable to move the goal posts, especially as farmers will have retained areas of land to fulfill the requirements”.

For further details contact:

Gillian Westbrook

IOFGA General Manager, tel 090-64-33680, 087-781-9967

Grace Maher

IOFGA Development Officer, tel  087-612-5989

The following topics will be covered at each training session:

• Main changes to the organic standards
• How to draw up an animal health plan
• Reform of the CAP and organic farming

Training sessions will take place on the following dates

February 20^th      Mallow               Hibernian Hotel

February 21^st      Tullamore           Tullamore Court Hotel

February 27^th      Galway              Clayton Hotel

February 28^th      Sligo                  Sligo Park Hotel

All training sessions will start at 7pm sharp.

*Please note that registered organic operators will not be allowed to apply for the above positions due to a conflict of interest.

The event costs €15 including lunch, to book contact ICSA at 057 8662120