Donegal-based producers are being urged to submit entries to this year’s National Organic Awards.
Today, Bord Bia announced the details of the initiative which will take place in October in Dublin. Held in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the awards celebrate the achievements of the increasing number of organic growers, producers, and manufacturers in the country.
Donegal has the highest number of new organic farmers in the country to make the switch in 2024.
According to the Green Party, 138 farmers here have joined the Organic Farming Scheme this year. This brings the total to 437 in Donegal, which now has the third highest number of organic farmers in the country.
Donegal-based organic producers are invited to submit entries into one of seven categories before the closing date of August 12th.
Winners of the National Organic Awards 2024 will get a one-to-one session with Bord Bia’s Client Capability team, who will help develop a bespoke package of supports to meet individual company needs up to the value of €5,000.
There is a separate prize for the Irish Organic Sector Champion Award 2024.
For more information on the individual categories and how to apply, please visit Bord Bia’s website.
Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett commented: “The organic sector in Ireland is going from strength to strength, and the standard of what we are producing here really is world-class. I’m looking forward to seeing the quality of entries when they are judged at the National Organic Food Fair in Merrion Square at the end of August, and indeed to the main event itself when the award winners and the very best of our sector will be announced on October 17th.”