Huge crowds turned out in Marlay Park, Co. Dublin recently for the inaugural National Organic Food Fair. The fair was organised by Organic Trust and IOFGA with support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Amid a carnival atmosphere in the beautiful setting of Marlay Park, some of Ireland’s leading organic producers showcased the best of Irish organic food. Among the highlights of the fair were the cookery demonstrations by chef Clodagh McKenna, at which there was standing room only. Clodagh demonstrated the benefits of using top quality organic ingredients to create delicious meals.
HelenScully and AnyaHultberg
Of particular interest to those working within the organic sector was a talk given by Anya Hultberg from Denmark, in which she highlighted the vast potential for organic public procurement. In Copenhagen alone, organic public procurement is already at 75% with a target of 90% by 2015. Those gathered heard of the huge benefits of the Danish organic public procurement programme, from primary producers to consumers. Speaking at the event, Helen Scully, National Co-ordinator for Organic Trust Ltd said “The Danish example on organic public procurement clearly shows the way forward for Ireland on this issue. We cannot continue to serve poor quality food of low nutritive value in our hospitals and schools”. Our picture shows Organic Trust National Co-ordinator Helen Scully with Anya Hultberg from Denmark.
Other speakers on the day included renowned author and Organic Trust inspector, Klaus Laitenberger who spoke on the importance of soil in organic production and David Caviston of Cavistons Food Emporium who gave a talk on organic retailing in Ireland.
While children played with painted faces and balloon animals, visitors got the chance to sample the best of Irish organic food. Minds were opened to the huge array of organic produce on offer which augurs well for the continued success of Ireland’s organic sector.
The event was a resounding success and hopes are high that the National Organic Food Fair will continue to flourish as an annual event in Ireland’s food calendar.
