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

CCD was originally noted in the US where large amounts of imidacloprid are used. However it has since spread across much of Europe. Two other widely published studies from France and Scotland also link neonicotinoids to declines in bees and other pollinating insects. Professor Dave Goulson, from the University of Stirling in Scotland, found in his research, that exposure to even low levels of neonicotinoid pesticides has a serious impact on the health of bees.

“The problem with neonicotinoids are that they attack the central nervous system of insects. As it is a systemic chemical it is taken up by all parts of the plant including the pollen and nectar and it is ingested continually by bees and other pollinating insects” said Grace Maher, Development Officer IOFGA.

According to Michael Gleeson secretary from the Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations, Irish bee colonies are generally quite healthy and to date CCD has not occurred to any great extent the way it has in other countries. “This is a positive thing as there is a growing interest among people in getting involved in keeping bees, as more and more people see the value in having a bee hive both for pollination and honey production” said Michael.

Bees play a vital role in pollination of food crops. Simon Potts Professor of Biodiversity at the University of Reading estimated that the cost of hand pollinating plants in the absence of bees would costs Britain £1.8 billion annually. “Based on this information it is essential that we restrict pesticide use particularly when bees are actively foraging, as they play such a vital role in our agro ecosystem. We do not want to replicate what has happened in other countries here” stated Grace Maher.

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For more information please contact;

Grace Maher

Development Officer IOFGA

Tel: 087 6125989

www.iofga.org

grace.maher@iofga.org

Gillian Westbrook

General Manager

IOFGA

Tel: 087 7819967

www.iofga.org

gillian.westbrook@iofga.org

For more information please go to www.no2gm.com

Teagasc Licence Application to the EPA Teagasc_Notification

Download a copy of the IOFGA Submission to the EPA here IOFGA_ SUBMISSION_ TO_ THE _EPA_.

• 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.

The overall objective of Green Tenders is to assist public authorities to successfully plan and implement green public procurement. There are 8 specific areas prioritised in this plan one of which is Food and Catering Services.

Gillian Westbrook, General Manager, IOFGA stated that “the annual public expenditure on food in Ireland is estimated at €195m.[1] The organic licence scheme offered by IOFGA is highlighted as an accreditation scheme which meets the sustainability criteria outlined under Green Tenders. This offers fantastic opportunities to certified organic producers to supply local and seasonal food to the public catering sector”.

Westbrook went on to cite the successful example of “the pilot project that was run in the Marine Institute using organic salmon, beef, lamb, vegetables, salads and goats cheese, all supplied locally and in season. When using organic ingredients it was noted that there was a significant reduction in waste making it even more sustainable to use organic ingredients. Diners also noted greater flavour and quality in the food served. We will be actively encouraging organic producers and processors, particularly in the meat, seafood, eggs and poultry enterprises to become proactive in supplying public contracts under the Green Tenders initiative” she said.

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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

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.

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For more information please contact;

Grace  Maher, Development Officer IOFGA, Tel 087 6125989

Gillian Westbrook, General Manager, IOFGA, Tel 087 7819967

On opening the scheme, Minister McEntee pointed out that proposals presented by the European Commission on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy are very positive in relation to the Organic Sector.   “The proposals presented by the Commission refer to provisions for innovative actions promoting a resource-efficient, productive and low-emission agricultural sector” stated Minister McEntee.  “We must therefore continue to promote organic farming, which is compatible with the protection and improvement of the environment.”

The closing date for new applicants to the OFS is 15^th of May.

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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

To view this presentation plese click here iofgacap

You can view or download the Organic Food and Farming Standards in Ireland under our section for members.

Gillian Westbrook, General Manager with IOFGA stated that “we are delighted with this reversal by DAFM to pay farmers for 2011, as farmers had signed up in the understanding that they would be paid for these areas under both schemes”.

————– ENDS ————-

For more information please contact

Gillian Westbrook

General Manager IOFGA

Tel 087 7819967

Grace Maher

Development Officer IOFGA

Tel 087 6125989