Opening of new ‘Organic Hub’ online platform

The Minister of State with special responsibility for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett, announced the opening of a new ‘Organic Hub’ online platform.

Minister Hackett said: “Organic farming is going through a period of unprecedented growth in Ireland.

“This new Organic Hub, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and developed in partnership with our stakeholders, is another clear demonstration of the measures being put in place to support that growth. It also delivers on one of the key asks of the Organic Strategy Forum, which I convened in 2022.

“The hub is free to use, and the ambition is that it will act as a central platform connecting organic farmers, facilitating the buying and selling of organic livestock and produce across the country.”

Through a user-friendly online platform, the Organic Hub will allow organic farmers to showcase their high-quality produce and livestock to a wide network of buyers, both locally and nationally.

The hub will also have a calendar of events which will allow organic farmers to remain up to date with what’s happening regarding organic farming around the country.

Chair of the Organic Strategy Forum, Padraig Brennan, said: “One of the main challenges to growing the value of organic output, which was highlighted at the Organic Strategy Forum, has been the co-ordination of existing supplies and accessing organic inputs.

“The Organic Hub represents an important step in helping farmers to connect with each other to buy and sell in a user-friendly manner.”

Concluding, Minister Hackett said: “I would encourage all organic farmers to take advantage of this free service to buy and sell organic produce.

“I believe the Hub will be of great benefit in connecting organic farmers around the country.

“I want to thank and congratulate the Organic Strategy Forum on delivering this key support for Irish organic farmers, which will support ongoing expansion of the organic sector in Ireland.”