Offaly organic producers & retailers encouraged to register to take part in National Organic Week

Bord Bia support available to promote organic events in Offaly

 Bord Bia is encouraging organic producers and retailers in Offaly to take part in National Organic Week this September in order to help build the profile of organic food in Ireland. Currently there are 40 organic food producers registered in Offaly. Organic producers and retailers can celebrate the week by organising an event such as an organic cookery demonstration, in-store tastings, a barbecue or farm walk or simply by displaying point of sale material which is available from Bord Bia.

Limited funding is available to assist in organising organic events during the week and the closing date for applications for funding has been extended to Monday July 23^rd. Funding will be awarded to a select number of events that meet the following criteria:

·         That the event increases consumer awareness of locally produced organic products

·         That the event location is easily accessible for the general public

·         That locally produced organic products are displayed for sampling and/or for sale at the event

According to Teresa Brophy, Ireland Market Manager, Bord Bia: “National Organic Week provides the perfect platform for those involved in the organic industry to showcase the range of organic foods being produced, to help consumers identify where these foods can be purchased and how to recognise them. The success of National Organic Week is reliant on organic producers and retailers getting involved and helping to create a buzz around their product or locality”.

National Organic Week, coordinated by Bord Bia and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will take place from the 10^th-16^th September 2012. To apply for organic event funding visit http://www.bordbia.ie/OrganicWeek2012Form and complete the online form before Monday July 23^rd.

As part of National Organic Week, Bord Bia will host the National Organic Awards on Monday 10^th September. The Awards are recognised as an important feature in the organic food and drink industry calendar and aim to recognise the achievements, and raise the profile of Irish organic food and drink manufacturers.  Organic producers are encouraged to enter the awards via the Bord Bia website before the closing date of Monday 23^rd July. More information and entry forms can be found on www.bordbia.ie/OrganicAwards2012.

For more information about National Organic Week 2012 visit www.bordbia.ie.