The Irish organic sector continues to expand, with the number of organic livestock farms trebling since 2022.
With a national target for 10% of land to be farmed organically by 2030, organic drystock remains the backbone of Ireland’s organic sector, with over 70% of organic producers involved in cattle and sheep enterprises.
“Organic livestock farming has been attracting a lot more interest over recent years,” said Padraig Brennan, Chairperson of the Organic Strategy Forum, who was setting the scene for a series of regional Growing Prospects for Organic Livestock Roadshows.
These events, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Bord Bia, Teagasc, and multiple industry partners, bring together farmers, processors and industry experts to explore the growth potential of Ireland’s organic beef and lamb sectors.
Organic beef and lamb continue to deliver positive returns for farmers, helped by strong and consistent demand, with Irish processors currently unable to source enough animals to meet market needs. Recent Bord Bia research highlights strong momentum at the consumer level in relation to organic meat. Notably, more than eight in 10 Irish shoppers believe organic food and drink is worth paying for; two-thirds of organic shoppers across seven key EU markets would purchase Irish organic food and drink; and Irish organic food and drink ranks as the number one import of choice among organic consumers in those markets.
Additionally, Bord Bia is investing heavily to further grow the market for organic beef and lamb. €2.3 million has been invested in the “More-ganic” consumer campaign in the Irish market, while €2.7 million has been assigned to a EU-wide B2B promotion campaign (2024–2027), targeting buyers through trade shows, PR, advertising and a dedicated website, organicbeefandlamb.eu.
Commenting on the above, Bord Bia’s Organic Sector Manager, Tara Bane said: “These investments are designed to build both supply and demand, ensuring Irish organic beef and lamb are well positioned at home and across Europe.”
Growing Prospects for Organic Livestock Roadshows
Outlining what to expect at the upcoming events, Padraig Brennan added: “These roadshows will highlight the positive income potential from organic farming. We will also hear how processors are currently unable to source sufficient animals to satisfy demand.
“We’d encourage farmers to take the time to come along to a meeting near them to hear from experts, including Teagasc, Bord Bia, processors and, most importantly, farmers who have successfully established organic systems on their farm.
“Meetings commence with refreshments and a series of trade stands from relevant organisations at 6 pm, with the seminar element commencing at 7 pm.”
Farmers across the country can attend the upcoming roadshow events to learn more about market outlets, profitability, and support available:
- Wednesday, 1 October – Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
- Wednesday, 8 October – Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick
- Wednesday, 15 October – Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal
More information and to register for the upcoming events, visit here.