More than 40 organic businesses, food producers, processors, and advisory services will be in situ at a dedicated “Organic Village” marquee at this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois. Co-hosted by National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Organic Village will be a one-stop shop for all things organic, including information on grants, training, and conversion to organic practices.
Organic farming is a key climate mitigation factor, and NOTS and DAFM see this as an opportunity to inform farmers on what the opportunities are for organic farming into the future. The Organic Village will act as the “go-to” area for anyone interested in converting to organic farming.
Speaking about the Organic Village, Minister Pippa Hackett said “In the last year we have seen huge growth in organics and we’re expecting this positive momentum to continue. This is our second year funding the organic village with NOTS and it has doubled in size which is a reflection of the development of the sector. It has been a very difficult year for farmers between weather and income and this is putting a lot of pressure on farmers. The organic village is a great opportunity for farm families to come and find out for themselves how they can improve their farm and quality of life by going organic.”
Sean McGloin, manager of National Organic Training Skillnet, said, “The Organic Village represents how organic agriculture is rapidly becoming a very viable opportunity for many farmers – and it is important to provide an opportunity for farmers to inform their decision-making process, and also to sample some wonderful organic products all under one roof.”
“All of the relevant organisations, from the Department, and the Organic Certification Bodies will all be on hand to answer queries, and there will also be plenty of knowledge sharing available from advisory bodies such as Teagasc and the Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA)”, added Mr. McGloin.
Some of the leading organic food processors will also have stands at the Organic Village – such as Flahavans, Glenisk, Aurivo, Good Herdsmen, Fruit Hill Farm, organic meat processors, and many more.
| Come visit the Organic Village at Block 3, Row 16, Stand 283 |
