National Organic Week to take place 10th – 16th September 2012

Events to take place nationwide to mark week-long celebration of Ireland’s organic sector

Bord Bia has announced the details of National Organic Week 2012, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine which takes place from 10^th – 16^thSeptember. National Organic Week celebrates and promotes Ireland’s organic sector and throughout the week organic producers, retailers and farmers markets nationwide will host events including organic farm walks, cookery demonstrations, BBQs, harvest feasts, complimentary in store tastings and talks.

Billie Barrett (5) and Adam Dunne (4) today announced the details of National Organic Week 2012 which takes place from 10th-16th September, organised by Bord Bia and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. National Organic Week celebrates and promotes Ireland’s organic sector and throughout the week organic producers, retailers and farmers markets nationwide will host events including organic farm walks, cookery demonstrations, BBQs, harvest feasts, complimentary in store tastings and talks. For more information visit www.bordbia.ie

There are currently 1,721 registered organic operators in Ireland with 52,390 hectares of land being used to produce organic foods which include meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables, eggs, grains, cereals, nuts, seeds, dairy products, drinks and cooking oils.

Organic produce is made using farming methods which are environmentally friendly and incorporate sustainable production practices, respectful use of the countryside and concern for animal welfare. Since July, all pre-packaged organic food products in Europe which meet organic standards carry the “Euro-Leaf” EU organic logo.

Teresa Brophy, Ireland Market Manager, Bord Bia said “National Organic Week celebrates the work being done by over a thousand food producers all over Ireland who are committed to farming organically. For a small country we produce an amazing selection of organic food and drink and this week-long campaign provides a platform for organic producers and retailers to promote their products while encouraging consumers to learn how to recognise organic food and identify where it can be purchased”.

Some events taking place during National Organic Week 2012 include

· Thursday, 13th September from 10am – 4pm

Organic Apple Juicing Tasting and a Tour of the Heritage Apple Trees in the Organic Walled Garden
Sonairte Organic Walled Garden, Laytown, Co. Meath

· Thursday 13^th September from 7-10pm

An Evening with Organic – bringing the consumer on a journey from organic production to retail and consumption featuring a specialist organic food retailer, a certified organic producer and an organic advocate. It will also include a film screening and tastings of regional organic produce will be supplied by the Organic Supermarket, Blackrock

Twisted Pepper, 54 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1

· Friday 14th September from 5-8pm

Farm Cookery Demonstration, Food Tasting, Family Friendly Farm Walk and Organic Talk
Darren & Patrick Byrne Organics, Strifelands, The Hills, Balbriggan, Co Dublin.

· Saturday 15th September from 10.30am – 1pm

Organic Farm Open Day with Cookery Demonstration followed by a host of traditional skills including Organic Butter making, Apple Pressing, Bread Making, Basket Making, Demonstration of Apple Tree Planting, on site Killavullen Farmers Market supplying an array of tasty treats and organic produce
Nano Nagle Centre Cork

· Saturday 15th September @ 1.30-4pm

Farm Walk, Food Harvesting, Cookery Demonstration & Food Tastings
Castlefarm Shop, Kildare

· Saturday 15th September from 10am – 5.30pm

Tastings of St Tola and Mossfield Cheese & Special Veg from Sunny Meadow Organics and Philip Drapier all week
Country Choice, Nenagh, Co Tipperary

· Sunday 16th September 3- 7pm

Farm Shop Open Day with Cookery Demonstration featuring local Chef Michael Rath and Pig on Spit, Beef Dishes and Shop Display
Lough Owel Organic Farm, Tullaghan, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

· Sunday 16th September from 11am – 5pm

Brooklodge National Organic Week Market Celebrating National Organic Week Brooklodge Hotel, Macreddin Village, Wicklow

The National Organic Awards, recognised as an important feature in the organic food and drink industry calendar, will be hosted by Bord Bia on Thursday 13^th September.

For further information on events taking place during National Organic Week and for a range of organic recipe suggestions visit www.bordbia.ie. To find out more information about organic farming visit www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/organicfarming.