A new European Innovation Project (EIP-AGRI) called the Organic Beef and Lamb Innovation Group aims to significantly reduce leakage from organic production systems.

Current estimates put leakage from beef production systems at upwards of 40% to 50% while leakage of lamb in to conventional finishing systems is estimated at upwards of 70%.

The project, which is funded by the Department of Agriculture and the European Union, will be co-ordinated by Declan Pyne and Julian Pawlowski. It is supported by Teagasc, Ifac, the National Organic Training Skillnet and Leitrim Organic Farmers.

It has three main aims - develop solutions to target 100% of output remaining in the organic supply chain, create a well-integrated supply chain by addressing fragmentation and enhancing communication among key stakeholders including marts and build collaboration capacity and knowledge among producers to strengthen their capabilities and provide a social outlet.