Trevor Sargent

28 August 2009

Mr. Trevor Sargent T.D., Minister for Food and Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, today named the members of Forás Orgánach, a new body which he has established to drive forward the development of the organic sector in Ireland.  Minister Sargent made the announcement at the Organic Demonstration Walk held at the farm of Jenny and Peter Young at Castlefarm, Athy, Co Kildare.

Forás Orgánach replaces the National Steering Group for the Organic Sector which recently completed its second

Farm owner Jenny Young introduces Trevor Sargent TD, Minister for Food and Horticulture to announce the new national organic body, An Forás Organách at a demonstration farm walk at Castlefarm, Athy, Co. Kildare. Picture: Jeff Harvey/HR Photo

three-year term.  However the new group has a different emphasis.  Whereas the National Steering Group brought nominees from various stakeholder groups together to agree a programme of action, Forás Orgánach is made up of individuals with expertise in particular areas who can bring their talents and specialist knowledge to our efforts to develop the organic sector further.

“The National Steering Group was an excellent forum for the various stakeholders to share their perspectives on the organic sector,” Minister Sargent said, “and their biggest achievement was to produce the Organic Farming Action Plan 2008–12 which I described when I launched it as the single most important initiative in driving the organic sector forward in Ireland.  It is vital that we do not lose momentum as we work towards the target that was set for the organic sector in the Programme for Government.  The members of Forás Orgánach have been selected for what they, as individuals, can bring to this task.  I am expecting a lot from them but I have every confidence that, under the leadership of Noel Groome, they can deliver it.”

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The members of Forás Orgánach: