IOA are delighted to announce their involvement in the Portumna Forest Picnic on Spetember 12th. The event is co-ordinated by IOFGA, ICSA and Slow Food and it coincides with National Organic Week which runs until September 19th. The picnic is being held in the spectacular backdrop of the forest with lakeside views and will be free to attend.

Dr. Sinead Neiland Chairperson of IOA stated “IOA are delighted to be involved in this event for National Organic week, especially as it showcases Irish organic produce and producers.”

The event has been funded by the Department of Agriculture (Organic Unit) as well as sponsorship from IOFGA, local businesses and those involved in organic production in Ireland. [Read more…]

Now in their 4th year, the National Organic Awards are recognised as an important feature of the organic food and drink Industry. This year for the first time the awards also includes organic horticulture producers. The winners of the awards will be announced on the 14th of Septembers during National Organic Week.

This year, the award categories are;

1. Best Organic Retail Product
2. Best Organic Local product
3. Best Organic Export Product
4. Best Organic New Product
5. Best Sustainable Organic Product

Each of the above five winners will then be put forward for judging for the Best Overall Organic Product.

To enter your product in the awards please download an application form here Application form National Organic Food Awards 2010

National Organic Week runs from 13-19th of September this year. A series of events will take place all around the country to promote organic food and farming. Cookery demonstrations, instore tastings, bbq’s of organic food are just a sample of the many events organised to highlight organic week. Both the IOA website and Bord Bia’s website will have updated lists of all of the events taking place around the country.

There is a limited amount of funding available to people who are organising events for National Organic Week . When applying for funding people must ensure that they are using certified organic products. To apply for funding or to order some promotional material for National Organic Week from Board Bia please visit their website for more details www.bordbia.ie/organicform

The Organic Growers of Ireland have organised a series of farm walks to take place on organic vegetable farms over the coming weeks. The talks are aimed at commerical organic horticulture producers however all are welcome to attend. All walks take place on a Tuesday and start at 7pm.

Tuesday 20th of July - Deirdre O Sullivan and Norman Kenny, Carbury, Co Kildare

Tuesday 27th of July - Eamonn Wallace, Bally Hall, Windgap, Callan, Co Kilkenny

Tuesday 10th of August - Liam Ryan, Moyleabbey Organic Farm, Balitore, Athy, Co Kildare

Tuesday 17th of August - Joachim Hees and Jeanette Kochen, Cloonkeen, Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway

For more information and directions to the various farms contact [email protected]