IOA calls on people to support local farmers and food producers to help support the local economy

The Irish Organic Farmers & Growers Association (IOFGA) is urging its members and communities across the country to support local farmers and food producers in their areas in response to the current economic difficulties. This is something practical that we can all do to make a small positive difference to our local economy.

Kate Carmody Chairperson of IOA stated,’ IOA is calling on our own members and communities across the country to make a point of adding some local produce to their weekly shopping. Buying some local food produced by our neighbours represents a small practical step that we can all take as individuals to help support our local economy in these difficult times. Many people feel powerless in the face of the torrent of bad news about the economy and it is very important for our morale to know that we can each make a difference as individuals. We are urging people to buy some local food from organic farmers if possible but in any case from their local area. Now more than ever, we also need to support local farmers markets, box schemes, local bakeries and local artisan food producers. There are economic, social and environmental benefits to supporting local food enterprises and developing a local food economy which will prove more sustainable and resilient in the future.’

The Irish Organic Association (IOFGA) is the largest organic certification organisation in Ireland representing approx 1,000 farmers, growers and processors. It is responsible for certifying the organic provenance of its members produce and the IOA symbol indicates that a product has met the highest standard or organic integrity. IOA also works to inform the public about the benefits or organic food and to support the development of organic food production in Ireland. Further information on IOA is available on www.iofga.org. IOA publishes six times a year its popular magazine Organic Matters. Articles from back issues of the magazine may be found at www.irishoranic.ie

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For further information contact:

Kate Carmody tel 086 8239582

Issued by John O’Neill Tel 087 612 5989 or john.oneill@iofga.org