Organic News
National Organic Conference
Bord Bia's organic conference which will be held on 4th September at the Waterford Institute of Technology will have the theme Maximising Ireland's Potential.
Consumer attitudes in Ireland and Europe will be examined by Jonathan Banks of AC Nielsen and Lorcan Bourke of Bord Bia. Presentations on marketing through large multiples and local markets will be made by Caroline Burgess of Asda, Darren Grant of the organic supermarket, Jenny Young of Castlefarm shop and Evan Doyle of Brooklodge Hotel.
Tony Reid from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will give an overview of the Organic Farming Action Plan 2008-2012.
The perspective of producers and processors will be given by Padraig Fahy, organic producer and John Purcell of Good Herdsmen followed by Hugh O'Brien of Lir Chocolates who will talk on best practice in marketing.
Carlo Leifert, Co-ordinator of the EU Integrated Project Quality Low Input Food at Newcastle University will present information on a study which found that grazing cows on organic farms in the UK produce milk which contains significantly higher beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins than their conventional 'high input' counterparts. He will also provide an overview of organic vs. conventional beef and lamb nutritional and eating quality.
Ulrich Hamm from the University of Kassel will make a presentation on the size, trends and growth within the German organic sector followed by Stefano Cinti of the EU Commission speaking on the EU consumer promotional campaign aimed at raising awareness of organic farming in the EU.
The final speaker will be Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slowfood movement.
Gillian Westbrook has been appointed to the new position of
General Manager with IOFGA. Coming from a background in the regulatory area...
