Bord Bia revealed the winners of the National Organic Awards, including the first-ever Irish Organic Sector Champion, at a ceremony on Thursday 17 October.
Colin Keogh, the quality manager at the Organic Trust, was the inaugural recipient of the new award, which was presented at the Bord Bia Global Hub in Dublin.
The accolade recognised Keogh’s achievements as a true trailblazer for the Irish organic sector and reflected his dedication to the industry.
The National Organic Awards – held in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – celebrate the achievements and high standards of an increasing number of organic growers, producers and manufacturers around the country.
‘Playing An Important Role’
Commenting on the winning producers, Minister of State Pippa Hackett said, “It’s a pleasure to be here today at the National Organic Awards, and to see the quality, innovation and creativity happening within the organic sector in Ireland.
“Today’s award-winners represent the very best of the high standard of organic food and drink production that the company has to offer.
“From my own experience of organic farming, I know the amount of work that goes into producing high-quality organic produce, but also how rewarding it is, and I want to congratulate everyone who was shortlisted for playing an important role in helping the Irish organic sector to thrive.
“Bord Bia play a vital role in delivering market access for our premium organic product.
“I’m hugely grateful for their commitment and am looking forward to their increasing investment in the organic sector.”
Emmet Doyle, the organic sector manager at Bord Bia, added, “The quality of submissions for this year’s National Organic Awards was exceptionally high, and this is evident in the success of today’s winners.
“They are proof that the organic sector in Ireland is thriving, and the dedication and hard work of our producers is key to this success.
“The National Organic Awards are a fantastic way of recognising this hard work and highlight our appreciation for the pioneers working within this sector.
“We would like to extend our congratulations to the winners today and thank all who entered this year.”
Winners
- The Irish Organic Sector Champion 2024: The overall winner of the award is Colin Keogh, from the Organic Trust (accepted on his behalf by Stephen Connolly, chief executive officer, the Organic Trust), with special recognition for the work of Sean McGloin from the National Organic Training Skillnet.
- New & Innovative Award: Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms, based in County Offaly, for its shiitake and white-beech offerings.
- Business in the Community Award: The Urban Co-Op, from County Limerick.
- Best Irish Organic Product Award: Clare-based Burren Smokehouse Ltd, for its Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon.
- Direct-to-Consumer Award: Galway’s Green Earth Organics, for its 100% Irish Farm Box.
- Best Irish Organic Export Product Award: Flahavan’s Organic Porridge.
- Best Irish Organic Private-Label Product Award: Wexford-based Irish Country Meats, in association with Dunnes Stores, for their organic Irish centre-loin lamb chops.
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