Bord Bia has announced the details of the National Organic Awards, held in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with entries open until Monday 12 August.
The awards will celebrate the achievements of the increasing number of organic growers, producers and manufacturers in the country.
Bord Bia is encouraging organic producers to submit entries into one of seven categories before the closing date.
The awards ceremony will take place in Dublin on Thursday 17 October.
Judging will take place at the National Organic Food Fair in Merrion Square, Dublin on 31 August.
The seven categories are:
- The Irish Organic Sector Champion 2024
- Best Irish Organic Product Award
- Best Irish Organic Private Label Product Award
- Best Irish Organic Product Export Award
- Best New and Innovative Irish Organic Product
- Direct to Consumer Excellence Award
- Business in the Community Award
‘World-Class’
Speaking about the awards, the Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity Pippa Hackett said, “The organic sector in Ireland is going from strength to strength, and the standard of what we are producing here is really 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 17 October.”
Emmet Doyle, the organic sector manager in Bord Bia, said, “The National Organic Awards offer a platform to highlight the best organic food and drink produced in Ireland.
“As the momentum for Irish organics continues to grow, we are excited to celebrate the achievements and innovations of the sector’s pioneers.
“This year, in recognition of the dedicated efforts of many individuals in advancing the sector, we are proud to introduce the ‘Irish Organic Sector Champion’ award.
“Unlike other awards, all nominees for their category will be nominated by their peers.
“We look forward to receiving entries from businesses across the country in the coming weeks.”
Ireland has a target of 10% (450,000 hectares) of agricultural land to be farmed organically by 2030.
This is up from approximately 1.6% in 2020.
There are currently 5,000 farmers in the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS), with 3,000 joining the scheme since January 2023.
Last year, Bord Bia consumer research found that 67% of Irish shoppers purchase organic products on a monthly basis.
How To Enter
For more information on individual categories and how to apply, visit the Bord Bia website.
Applications close on 12 August, and Bord Bia will announce the shortlist the week commencing 27 August.
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.
Read More: Bord Bia Empowers Irish Businesses To Enhance Biodiversity Action
