Organic News
IOFGA Launches "Grow Organic" Scheme
IOFGA launched its “Grow Organic” initiative at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin in March assisted by pupils from Scoil Aine in Clondalkin and Scoil Caitriona in Glasnevin.
The scheme offers support and help to people who want to learn how to successfully grow organic vegetables.
Speaking at the launch, Director of the Botanic Gardens, Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson, said that it is important to educate people to grow their own food. The Vegetable, Fruit and Herb garden in the Botanic Gardens is a wonderful demonstration garden and it is currently undergoing organic certification. “Good quality compost is the key in organic gardening and we have a large composting facility here in our garden which is essential to fertilise the soil”, said Dr. Wyse Jackson.
Trevor Sargent TD, spoke enthusiastically about getting the public involved in growing their own food. “People who grow their own food do one of the most important jobs that there is. It is a great service to the community and we need to encourage more people to get involved in growing food at a commercial level. However, there is also a role for everyone in becoming more self-sufficient and it is great that IOFGA has introduced “Grow Organic” to get people started in growing their own food”. As an ardent organic gardener, he went on to say that growing your own really makes a difference in quality, taste and freshness, “As one of the girls from Scoil Aine in Clondakin said to me she didn’t like strawberries until she started growing her own!”
The new scheme is aimed at schools, allotment holders, community gardens and backyard hobby gardeners. “Grow Organic gives you step by step guidance in getting started on the path to supplying your own tasty seasonal organic food,” said IOFGA Board Chairperson, Dr. Sinead Neiland.
Gillian Westbrook has been appointed to the new position of
General Manager with IOFGA. Coming from a background in the regulatory area...
