This is the follow-on interview with Trevor Sargent, the new minister of state in the Department of Agriculture and Food. In the previous post, he outlined his remit and vision for food in Ireland. The only relevant aspect not covered in detail was organic farming. Here's the organic bit...

Oliver Moore:
We�ve had targets for increasing organic production before, and failed. All across Europe, despite some growth in the sector, increased organic production targets have not been met. This has also been the case in countries where the Greens have been in government, such as Germany. In this context, how realistic is the aim for 5% organic by 2012?

Trevor Sargent:
The target is high but hopefully not too high. Austria is leading the way in Europe, with over 11%. I would hope our 5% is seen as prudent and practical. It�s especially realisable in the sheep and drystock area. This would have been acknowledged in the Dail by the previous minister, Joe Walsh, in debates we�ve had. He was saying that much of the production is almost organic, and I was saying let�s make it official then, by helping the farmers in question to be certified organic. Then they would have the additional benefits and premiums in being certified organic.

OM: What are the barriers you see to the development of the sheep and drystock aspects of the organic sector?

TS: Getting animals slaughtered in a way that ensures they could maintain their organic status�that has been a problem for a number of organic growers that I�m aware of. They produced animals to the organic standard, but when it came to slaughtering, they weren�t able to maintain their organic standard beyond slaughtering� that�s why I�m working to insure that local abattoirs are available, so that organic farmers can comply with the requirements for slaughter. I�ll also be talking to the other factories, to make sure that there�s room for organic slaughtering as well. It�s a case of filling the gaps in the system that are there already.


OM: I suppose it fits in with the traditional green approach to not liking live exports, while at the same time dealing with the economic realities of Irish farming.

TS: It�s positive. I mean, this is what I hope my ministry is all about - looking at the positive, and capitalising on the natural advantages we have, while being pragmatic in supporting farmers.

OM: What else does the organic sector need to develop:

TS: We also need to insure that the training is there too, and an independent organic agency. These are oft called for from the organic bodies. Also, a public procurement programme for organic food in canteens and restaurants. These are all part of (the overall) strategy. I�ll be working to put that strategy in place quickly, to insure that it gets the targeted funding it needs. I�ve no doubt it�s (5%) a realisable figure, there�s a great public appetite, no pun intended, for the target, as it represents import substitution. According to figures I�ve read, up to 75% of organic produce is imported. Aside from the export potential which is huge, and needs to be developed further, there is a huge potential for import substitution. It�s a sad reflection that so many people associate organic with imported produce.

OM: What about the role of the organic certification bodies?

TS: I recognise the huge work they are doing, but I think too much is being put on their shoulders. It�s not about taking away from the certification bodies, but about augmenting the work by having a national strategy. I know the organic development committee is working hard to implement a national strategy: I look forward to meeting Mr Duggan and the committee to do everything I can to help in that. I�m involved myself with all three certification bodies, Demeter, the Orgnaic Trust and IOFGA.

OM: Are you certified organic yourself?

TS: I�m sorry to say I have all the documentation at home, but I haven�t had time to deal with all the paperwork! Which I�m sure is a problem that most farmers can relate to, the amount of paperwork and bureaucracy that goes with it.