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Minister of State of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, announced today that Brexit Adjustment Reserve funding has been allocated to promote and develop the growing Irish organic sector.
Announcing the funding of €1 million Minister Hackett said:
“The number of farmers in the Organic Farming Scheme has doubled in the last year and is expected to increase further in 2023 and beyond. This investment represents an opportunity to increase consumer awareness of organics and source new market opportunities for Irish organic food and drink.
“This support will facilitate the development and delivery of marketing campaigns to highlight to consumers the increasing availability of quality Irish organic food. It will also showcase the sustainable methods used to produce it which not only benefit the environment but also promote the highest animal welfare standards."
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have been working in partnership with Bord Bia in identifying further opportunities for Irish farmers and processors to grow their organic presence and increase market share through this funding.
In response to the announcement, Jim O’Toole, CEO, Bord Bia said:
"I am delighted to welcome the €1 million BAR funding to support the Irish organic sector through a period of monumental growth. This fund will ensure that Bord Bia deliver a range of activities and supports to help increase the consumer awareness of Irish organic food, drink and horticulture while identifying future market opportunities for the sector for the years to come."
Meanwhile Emmet Doyle, Bord Bia’s recently appointed Organic Sector Manager, added:
"Bord Bia has been working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and the wider organic sector to develop a comprehensive programme of activity to support the future growth of the industry. The key initiatives include the development of a multiple touchpoint organic advertising campaign targeting Irish consumers, robust export market research, and the Irish organic sectors’ participation in Natexpo, one of the leading global organic trade shows which will take place in Paris later this year."
The Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) fund aims to provide financial support to the Member States, regions and sectors most affected by Brexit to deal with the adverse economic, social, territorial and, where appropriate, environmental consequences. Ireland, as the Member State most affected, has received a significant allocation of over €1 billion, or just over 20% of the entire Reserve.
The Designated Body for managing and deciding on the Reserve in Ireland is the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and it is co-ordinating Ireland’s overall policy position on the BAR. The eligibility criteria set by the EU to qualify expenditure under the Reserve are stringent, and any proposed expenditure must demonstrate a direct link to negative impacts arising from Brexit.