National Organic Conference - Tuesday June 14th 2011 - Limerick Institute of Technology

Event | 15 May 2011

This event is being organised by Bord Bia and promises to be a very interesting and informative day for both potential and current organic producers in Ireland.

Agenda for National Organic Conference

9.00
Registration & Coffee Combined with Industry Networking

9:30
Welcomes by LIT president and Bord Bia Conference Chairperson – Suzanne Campbell

9:50
Adrian Dolby –Barrington Park Estate Farms Adrian Dolby converted Barrington Park Estate Farms into the UK’s largest organic enterprise, proving that financial and ecological sustainability can go hand-in-hand.”
10:10
Glenisk
How an innovative marketing campaign helped grow the Glenisk brand .
10:30
Q&A
10:45
Coffee Break and Industry Networking

11.30
Four Themed Breakout sessions   (attendees chose one session)

Breakout session one - New initiatives for Direct Selling to the Organic Consumer
This session will focus on the opportunities and developments in supplying consumers directly.  Chairperson: TBC
Speakers:

Stephanie Moe - Bord Bia -recent research on Farmers’ Markets in Ireland.
This research was carried out in late 2010/early 2011 and consisted of qualitative and quantitative research of farmers’ markets throughout Ireland.  Market operators, stallholders and shoppers were interviewed for this study which aims to give an insight into the status quo of markets in Ireland.

Rosaleen McMenamin and farmer Paddy Byrne from Skerries Transition Town
Background and successes of new Community Supported Agriculture scheme ‘Community Harvest Group’

Traci Lewis from Soil Association and Sustain
The new international trend in organic consumer buying groups – an overview of different models and scales; Alternative trading and retail options for producers and consumers.

Breakout Session Two –Commercial Organic Farming and Supports Available
Chairperson –Lorcan Bourke

Speakers:

Dr Tracey Larkin - Limerick Institute of Technology
Dr Larkin is lecturing at the Limerick Institute of Technology and is involved in research with Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre. Dr Larkin’s research now focuses on analysis of antioxidants/bio-actives in foods and has an IRCSET funded project to investigate organic fruits and vegetables. Dr Larkin is also involved in sensory evaluation and shelf life studies for a variety of food types/products with regional food producers.

Dr Daniel Walsh – Limerick institute of Technology
Dr. Walsh will provide an overview of Shannon ABC and outline the mechanisms by which the Centre supports, collaborates and engages with Regional, National, International Research Groups and Industry. An overview of past and ongoing Irish organic project engagements with industry will be provided in addition to an introductory outline of the Limerick Institute of Technology Coordination led FP7 KBBE BAMMBO project and its relevance to organic production processes

Research facilities available from LIT and a case study of work undertaken on behalf of organic companies

Joan Furlong/Jim Carew -Department of Agriculture Organic Unit –
Supports available to organic farmers such as the organic Capital Grant Scheme and The Organic farming Scheme.

Other speakers TBC

Breakout Session 3 – Irish Organic Export Opportunity
This session will explore opportunities overseas and
Chairman – Liam MacHale, Manager Bord Bia German Office

Speakers

Simon Wright -Branding Expert
Packaging and branding for the export market
Simon began his career working for major food manufacturers such as United Biscuits, Nestle and Unilever, followed by nine years as Technical Director at Whole Earth Foods where he was responsible for their extensive New Product Development programme. During this time he helped to create the Green & Black’s range of organic and Fairtrade chocolate. Simon left Whole Earth to set up his own business, specialising in the development and marketing of sustainable food and drink.

Other speakers TBC

Breakout Session 4 The Domestic Market –innovation and Opportunities for Growth
Chairperson – Eileen Bentley

Speakers:

Gillian Westbrook (ICSA)
On the Galway Marine Institute pilot project to serve organic meals in their canteen

Other speakers TBC


13:00

Lunch Prepared by Peter Ward Country Choice

Representing the best of local organic foods, sourced through the Milk Market in limerick and direct from the producer, Peter Ward from Country Choice in conjunction with college caterers Aramark will provide lunch. 

Afternoon session: Chaired by Suzanne Campbell

14.30
Henry Tucker, the Futures Company- the Future Organic Consumer
The Futures Company is all about ‘unlocking the future.  They start by looking at what’s happening now. By monitoring what influences consumer values and attitudes, they are able to identify trends that explain the world we live in today and the world we’ll live in tomorrow.  According to Fran Walton Director of the company Great insights make business easier - they give direction; they frame decision making, and give people confidence to act. He strongly believes…‘…that a knowledge of the future improves decision making in today’s marketplace’
1
4.50
Panel Discussion ‘What is Stopping Progress?’

Chairperson -Suzanne Campbell
Panel:  Simon Wright – international organic branding expert
Noel Groome – Chairperson An Foras Organach
Other speakers to TBC

16:00

Conference Closes

Conference Fee Euro 30 per participant.

Further details and on-line booking available from: http://www.bordbia.ie/eventsnews/events/pages/EventDetail.aspx?ID=144

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Organic Trust Ltd - An INAB accredited certification body - Reg. No. 6008