January 23, 2024
Republic of Ireland's organic meat production to significantly increase by 2030
Data presented at the Bord Bia Meat Marketing Seminar 2024 revealed that the Republic of Ireland anticipates a significant increase in organic beef and lamb production by 2030, Agriland reported.
According to the forecasts, beef production from the organic sector is expected to quadruple, reaching approximately 15,000 tonnes, while organic lamb production is projected to increase sixfold, totalling about 2,500 tonnes.
The seminar, held on January 19, 2024, highlighted the growth potential in the Irish organic farming sector. Emmet Doyle, Bord Bia's organic sector manager, presented the data, indicating that by 2030, 75% to 80% of Irish organic production is expected to be exported.
Currently, 5% of Ireland's agricultural land is dedicated to organic farming, marking a substantial increase from the 1.5% recorded in 2020. The country is halfway to its 2030 target, outlined in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan, of having 10% of its land under organic farming.
Approximately 5,000 farmers, either practicing organic farming or in the conversion process, are contributing to the momentum in the Irish organic sector. Of these farmers, 85% operate within the livestock sector. The two-year conversion period to organic status within the livestock sector adds a lag between farmers entering the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) and the availability of associated organic products.
Bord Bia is actively collaborating with the industry to identify export opportunities for Irish organic beef and lamb in the next three to five years. The research has pinpointed seven markets—Germany, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, the Netherlands, the UK, and France. A pan-European research project is underway to understand market opportunities, and the results will contribute to an export market implementation plan, market reports for each identified market, trade opportunity insights, and the establishment of an engaged customer network.
- Agriland
