Organic News
National Conference on Local Food Exploring the Opportunities
The opening address for this conference held in November, 2007 was given by Minister Trevor Sargent T.D. He began by addressing the issue of energy consumed in the production of food and the importance of consuming food in season to keep demands on fossil fuel energy as low as possible.
The Minister cited his recent experience of visiting Austria and commented on the achievement of 11.8% of land certified as organic and he reiterated that 5% of land certified as organic in Ireland is achievable. He also stressed the importance of creating community based food initiatives, such as allotments, to further educate people about local produce and to increase access to local food production.
Helen King, Senior Business Analyst with Bord Bia presented research on consumer perceptions about local food. Words like "authenticity, purity and naturalness" were associated with produce bought at farmers markets. Many consumers believed that by purchasing food as farmers markets that they were directly supporting their local rural communities. However research also indicated that many people assumed that food sold at farmers markets was organic which is a perception that needs to be challenged. In general people perceived farmers markets as a place to shop which is "fun, healthier and trendier".
Tim Schlitzer, Executive Director of Food Routes Network in the USA gave an interesting overview of how his organisation is working to promote local food throughout the United States. This is a non-profit organisation with funding from the Kellogg's foundation. They currently operate in 32 states and have established 50 chapters of the organisation. The theme is "Buy Fresh, Buy Local" and they work with restaurants, schools and community groups to promote the benefits of buying local food. He highlighted the fact that 50 years ago the US supplied 70 - 80% of its own food but now this is down to 2%. However he is positive about the work that his organisation has done and he believes that it has contributed to keeping family farms in operation right across America. He projects the organisation will grow to 100 chapters throughout 50 states in the US in the next two years.
Sharon Buckley, Trading Director with Supervalu outlined how the chain is committed to purchasing local food in each area. They have 625 stores nationwide and currently have 6% of the grocery market in Ireland. A lot of questions were directed to Sharon from the audience outlining how in individual cases people had not received support from their local stores and did not find them helpful with regard to purchasing local food. She outlined how the company intends to increase the amount of locally sourced food it offers for sale.
Mary Kelly from Moon Shine Organic dairy farm came next and talked about how the family decided to convert to organic production and how pleased they have been with the growth of the business. They currently produce 8 organic farmhouse soft cheeses and 4 organic yoghurts. From small beginnings at the Mullingar Farmers Market they now supply over 55 shops across the country. The family is looking forward to the future and it appears to be a bright one for them!
To finish the evening the Minister launched Bord Bia's new publication - "Guide to Selling Through Farmers' Markets, Farm Shops and Box Schemes in Ireland".
The overall message of the evening was that the importance of local food is growing in Ireland and there are lots of opportunities for small businesses to service that demand.
Gillian Westbrook has been appointed to the new position of
General Manager with IOFGA. Coming from a background in the regulatory area...
