National Organic Week 2008 - 15th to 21st September 2008

News | 29 Feb 2008

This year at the request of the Irish Organic Certification Bodies, National Organic Week will be held on the earlier dates of September 15th to 21st 2008.
The reasons for requesting an earlier date were threefold:

Firstly the availability of most local Irish produce is at its highest point during this period and secondly it falls within the period of the Soil Association’s Organic fortnight in the UK which takes place from the 6th to 21st September . As most of Ireland has access to UK TV channels and print media, it is hoped that the increased publicity in the UK for organic food during this period will have a positive knock-on effect in Ireland. Thirdly the better weather will facilitate on-farm and market events not suited to the usual November dates.

National Organic Week will be preceded by the National Organic Conference to be held in Waterford on September 4th 2008 (full details will be posted on this site very soon!) and this will be followed by the National Organic Food Awards to be announced at SHOP on September 29th 2008 - making September a crucial month for the promotion of organic produce in Ireland - please play your part by promoting your sector!

As part of National Organic Week Bord Bia will be carrying out a media campaign with special emphasis this year on regional and local radio stations and newspapers advertising specific Organic Events. We would encourage all members to take this opportunity to promote awareness of organic food in general and your own produce in particular. Details of how to avail of this advertising will be posted to you shortly.

Key to consumer confidence in buying organic food is informing the public of the organic certification process and increasing consumer recognition of the Organic Trust Logo. The Organic Trust for its part will be happy to help in any way in assisting you to inform the consumer - the Organic Trust logo is available in a number of formats - both electronic and hard-copy - from the Organic Trust office (01 8530271).

Apart from the local media campaign, Bord Bia will be carrying out National Promotions through advertisements in National Radio and Newspapers, as well as a repeat of Bus Shelter posters which were very successful last year. 

Fail to plan - plan to fail

Many complaints were received in the past regarding the timing for National Organic Week - the complaints related primarily to timing - it was felt that it took place too late in the year; too close to Christmas etc etc and it was recognised that this contributed to the small number of events held in 2007. This year there is no excuse - the timing is good so please plan early to get the message out there.

Some Suggestions:

Special promotions on organic produce - special offers such as extra free, reduced price etc.
Tastings - at farmers markets, shops and restaurants.
Farm walks - perhaps involving local schools
Information talks with local organisations like the ICA, Community Groups, Mother & Toddlers Groups and so forth ...
Networking with other local organic producers to organise events

Producers launching new lines or shops opening organic sections should try to co ordinate these events for National Organic Week to maximise their impact.

National Organic Week is organised by Bord Bia, the Department of Agriculture & Food and the Organic Marketing Development Group (a sub-committee of the Organic Development Committee) but its success depends heavily on the events held by individual members.

We strongly urge everyone to take this opportunity to promote the benefits of Organic Food to the whole community.

Don’t Panic - Trust Organic!!