Minister Hackett opening Organic Horticulture Information Day in Birr on 29 February
- Published on: 28 February 2024
- Last updated on: 18 June 2024
National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine’s Organic Unit are partnering to provide a free 1-day information session for horticultural growers on the Organic Farming Scheme and related benefits. Minister of State Senator Pippa Hackett will give the opening address, with an attendance of more than 100 growers and processors expected.
Taking place on Thursday 29 February in the County Arms Hotel, Birr, this is a once-off, in-depth knowledge exchange day which will feature contributions from key DAFM staff, the Organic Growers of Ireland, Teagasc, the Agricultural Consultants Association, and many of the leading organic growers working in Ireland today.
Minister Hackett said:
“Organic fruit and vegetables are often the first step for consumers when buying organic food. There is huge potential for us to replace imported food and provide an income for hard working Irish growers. We can do much more to support organic horticultural growers, and this event is a real opportunity for us to share and exchange knowledge as we strive to grow the sector. Everybody with an interest in organic horticulture is welcome on Thursday – growers, gardeners, market gardeners, farmers, processors, and retailers.”
There will be dedicated Q&A sessions after each presentation, as well as interactive roundtable workshops with key stakeholders.
Sean McGloin, NOTS Manager, outlined the reasoning behind the organisation of the event:
“The aim of the event is to inform small growers of what supports are out there for them if they join the Organic Farming Scheme. We will also help to outline how to access these supports. From a land-use perspective, organic vegetable growers produce more crops per hectare than any other land use type, and it is important that they are recognised and rewarded for their efforts.”
Key event information
- date: Thursday 29 February 2024
- time: 10am to 4pm
- venue: County Arms Hotel, Birr, Co Offaly
- cost: No cost when you sign up through NOTS. Tea, coffee, refreshments, and a full organic lunch will be available for attendees
Sessions/discussion topics will include:
- opening address by Minister Pippa Hackett
- setting up and running a small market garden (Jim Cronin)
- the steps to joining the Organic Farming Scheme
- discussion of the DAFM €8,000 turnover threshold
- sourcing an advisor and key benefits.
- what is an FBO Number, and how do you get it?
- applying for a DVO Number (what it is and why you need it)
- BISS Application - what’s involved and how to achieve it
- putting together an organic business plan
- what other supports are available
- roundtable workshops related to the above topics (there will be horticulture and advisory experts on hand to answer your questions and assist with dissemination of information)
For more information or quotes, contact Sean McGloin, NOTS Manager, on 086 172 8442.