Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Pippa Hacket will lead a Bord Bia trade mission to Germany promoting the sale of Irish organic foods.

The visit will begin on Monday 25 July and will coincide with Biofach, which takes place in Nuremburg from 26 to 29 July.

Biofach is the world’s leading trade fair for organic produce, gathering organic producers, farmers, educators, retailers, policymakers and those who recognise the long-term viability and value proposition of organic production.

During the trade mission, the minister will support Irish organic food companies as they meet with international buyers.

The German organic market is the largest in Europe

The minister highlighted the export opportunities that exist for organic beef and lamb.

She said: “The German organic market is the largest in Europe in terms of value and was worth €15.9bn in 2021.

"I am delighted to be travelling to Germany to help to secure a viable future for organic farming in Ireland by developing market opportunities for Irish organic produce.

"Organic produce will continue to expand its appeal to consumers who are increasingly conscious of their own impact on the environment and who wish to support sustainability in the farm-to-fork journey."

The minister outlined the Government’s commitment to increase Ireland’s organic land area to 7.5% over the lifetime of the next CAP.

German organic area

The area of land farmed organically in Germany increased by 40% in the five-year period to 2021.

During the trade mission, the minister will meet with key government and industry officials to gain from their experience in expanding organic farming.

Minister Hackett added: “In Ireland, we have underpinned our long-term commitment to the sector by proposing an indicative allocation of €256m under the new CAP strategic plan for the period 2023 to 2027.

"This is a significant five-fold increase in funding for the sector compared to the previous CAP period."

Last week, the minister announced significantly enhanced payment rates for farmers of €300/ha.

"I encourage all farmers to give serious consideration to the benefits of organic farming.

"My visit to Germany this week is to help ensure that there are market opportunities for the expanding range of Irish organic output," she said.

Farm visits

Bord Bia CEO Michael Murphy said: “In the autumn, Bord Bia will present the results of a comprehensive market overview of the organic markets in Sweden and Finland, which will map out route-to-market opportunities for Irish organic exporters.

"This follows from an investment in a similar study focusing on the German market in 2021.

"In conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in October Bord Bia will celebrate the achievements of the Irish organic sector at the National Organic Awards. Entries open on July 29 and I invite all interested Irish organic growers, producers, and manufacturers to enter.”

In addition to Biofach exhibition, the minister will visit organic farms in advance of travelling to Munich on Wednesday for meetings with retailers, processors and the food service industry representatives to promote Irish organic food.