First National Organic Food Fair in Ireland

The inaugural National Organic Food Fair in Ireland took place in Marlay Park (Dublin) on 13 October 2013 as a collaboration between the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA) and the Organic Trust, with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. 10,000 visitors came to the event. 

There was an organic market beside Marlay House (picture) which had 26 outdoor stands and stalls displaying a range of organic produce, as well as organic food vendors to tempt the taste buds. Visitors were able to try Clanwood Farm Organic burgers, Glenisk Organic yogurts or Highbank Orchards Organic apple syrups and ciders to name just a few. Selected producers and industry leaders gave practical displays, with tastings, on how they prepare their foods and discussed why organic food was important in their business.

Clodagh McKenna (picture) held free public cooking demonstrations using only Irish organic produce. In addition there was a series of seminars to strengthen and promote the message that organic, local and seasonal foods offer the best quality ingredients for home cooking as well as the advantages of supporting jobs, economic growth and local development. Other highlights on the day included looking at industry leaders in the sector and how they have developed their organic businesses. A number of events were planned with a range of workshops of interest such as beekeeping, growing your own organic food, juicing organic fruit and vegetables and the value of organics in weekly meal plans. Speakers included Vincent Cleary of Glenisk and Klaus Laitenberger.

Targeted discussions for organic industry members were also held and provided an overview on where the organic sector was at present and how best to move forward from the current position to one of sustainable growth. The industry and technical discussion topics included: Fulfilling and growing the needs of the domestic market through import substitution and co-operation amongst producers; exploiting the growing demand for organic products in the export markets; capitalising on the potential in Green Public Procurement; and harnessing of consumer awareness and interest in organic produce and the promotion of those products & goods. If funding can be secured, the National Organic Food Fair will be held as an annual event. The next edition will take place in autumn then. (Picture: Glensik at the National Organic Food Fair)

IOFGA