Mr Ciarán Cuffe TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, today welcomed the positive findings of Bord Bia’s review of National Organic Week (NOW) which was held from 13 to 19 September, 2010 and also the recent encouraging trends in organic food sales. Following the week’s events a national representative survey of adults conducted by Bord Bia indicated that 39% of people would be more likely to purchase organic food as a result of the activities during NOW. Furthermore, statistics indicate that the value of organic food sales increased by €2 million to €23.5 million for the twelve week period both directly before and after National Organic Week when compared with the same period in 2009. Bord Bia have indicated that they believe this is as a direct result of both the increased promotional events in the build up to NOW and the week’s activities.
Noting the increased sales, Minister Cuffe said that “this reflects the growing preference for fresh, naturally produced, quality organic food. I again urge farmers to seize the opportunities that exist in the organic sector to meet this increased demand and to provide their families with a sustainable income and a promising future.”
Minister Cuffe paid tribute to Bord Bia for organising National Organic Week, which was financially supported by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. He stated “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Bord Bia on the organisation of this successful week and acknowledge with thanks their commitment to the development of the sector in Ireland.”
