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12 Issue 28 Spring 2009 Organic Producer

Purebred 3 year old Wanted 30 Bales of The Organic Producer is produced by the Aberdeen Angus Bull. Full Silage. Contact Guy at Organic & Non GM Drug Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op, in co-operation with the Symbol. Out of Lawson Fort 071 9147007 (Sligo Area) Western Organic Network and is distributed to all Bagatelle. Contact Ernest Free Animal Feeds registered organic farmers in North West Ireland, to Wieltschnig 071 9643937 or Wanted 10 Bales of subscribers nationwide and to agricultural agencies in the 0044 796 8858192 Silage. Contact Jim at 087 Willow Farm Ireland Republic and Northern Ireland. 6127855 (Castlerea area) If you have information you would like included in the next For sale 3 Short Horn issue, please send it to: The Editor, Organic Producer, Weaned Heifers and Short Telephone 071 9646942 or 086 8101409 Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op, The Enterprise Centre, Hill Road, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim. Phone: 071 9640868, Horn Bull. Contact Olwen 01 Ford Mondeo, 2.0 litre, Kerr at 0044(0)7711724992 Fax: 071 9640869,Email: [email protected]. diesel, silver, 145k, or [email protected] (Download at www.leitrimorganic.com) hatchback. 5 doors, full

MOT, CD player, spotless, Spring 2009 ISSUE 28 Purebred Registered in perfect condition, Suppliers of Aberdeen Angus Bulls and €1,800. Contact 086 Heifers available. Full 1728442. Leitrim area. Symbol. Top A.I. sires used. Organic Sales Increase in 2008 Corduff Organic Farm. Organic Rooster’s for Ballinagh, Co. Cavan. To sale. Contact arrange to view, contact Maureen Kelleher-McNally 2008 was indeed a year that doubt that there is a trend available in the South. Philip Moynagh 087 071 9641031 saw a significant growth in the towards buying heavier price currently 7998633. activity of Leitrim Organic stores instead of stands at €4.00/kg and Farmers Co-op. The coop weanlings and AA are €3.70 for over30 month Hi Peak Organic Animal Aberdeen Angus Cross Feed available from extended its membership and now definitely the animals. The lamb trade Friesian Calves For Sale on Gordon and Sue @ Complete range available by the also increased its throughput that buyers seek out and is steady if unexciting with ongoing basis Fully Weaned Willowfarm, Keadew. By of Beef although the lamb pay extra for. a price of €4.75 being and easily Handled (Kerry the Bag, By the Ton or 25kg bag, tonne or lorry Load throughput would have fallen Lamb once again proved quoted for Hogget’s. Area). Transport can be Lorry Loads. Call for Price slightly. 2009 is starting with difficult to market. Realistically the hogget arranged. Contact Kate on 086 8101409 or 071 the€ at £0.95 as against € at Seasonality was a major price would need to be at 086 8239582 9646942. also available Seaweed & £0.79 which presents its own issue with the poor €5/kg to make any return challenges when exporting to summer bringing lambs on feeding. Leitrim Dispersal sale of 100 ewes For Sale Organic Wheat, Organic Animal Licks the UK. The co-op worked even later but all together. Organic Farmers on behalf of the estate of Barley and Oats. Rolled with Drumshanbo Mart plc to We continued to ship Co-op will commence its Liam Farrell (deceased) or whole, in big bags. deliver 4 marts for the region lambs North to Linden freezer order service in www.organicanimalfeeds.ie Balieboro, Co. Cavan at Phone 087 2557679 and these for the most part Foods but at a slightly the Spring to coincide with Drumshanbo mart @ 3pm (Westmeath) email:[email protected] returned good prices for lower price than was the first availability of Ewes all scanned in lamb farmers. There is no Spring lamb. to Texal Ram (due to lamb April). Enquires to mart manager Eoin Kane at 086 Colour photocopying 8392568 or to the coop service available at office. reasonable rates, for Over 30 month cattle more difficult to sell flyers, brochures and other marketing materials. Why not give us a call at Despite the lifting of the BSE test on over 30 month cattle UK and Irish supermarkets still refuse to sell this meat Organic pork, bacon, 071 9640868 to their customers. ASDA recently were the first to commence accepting over > 36 month cattle but most sausages, grain, wheat, supermarkets are slow to follow this example I would urge farmers buying cattle to check the date of birth on oats & barley. cards when they buy cattle. All cattle shown at marts have the date of Birth (DOB) displayed along with the weight Qualified Hedge Layer so it should not be too difficult to work out whether it will take more than 30 months to finish an animal. These Full symbol. under Reps 4 Scheme. cattle are receiving €0.30/kg less at slaughter and are not generally in demand. The main outlet for these animals Mole’s Organic Farm, Mole’s Organic Farm, Cloonslanor, Strokestown, is food service but in these recessionary times that particular segment of the market in unlikely to show much Cloonslanor, Strokestown, growth. Slaney meats in conjunction with Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op will be looking to Europe this year for Co. Roscommon. Co. Roscommon. extra business and they do not differentiate between under 30 months and over 30 month cattle. Bord Bia have a Contact 071 9633775 Contact 071 9633775 (Closed on Sundays) number of companies including Slaney Meats travelling to Biofach in Nurnberg in February to look for (Closed on Sundays) opportunities there. In light of a weaker sterling it is a better option now to look for business in the Euro zone. The

rule of thumb would be that cattle should as far as possible be slaughtered under 30 months of age and this Duck, hen eggs and Handy man available for Organic Potatoes for sale. makes life far easier for the factory and farmers alike. small building jobs and Contact Maureen fencing. Roscommon/ Kelleher-McNally Leitrim area. All jobs 071 9641031 considered. Contact James at 087 2252640 This watermark does not appear in the registered version - http://www.clicktoconvert.com

Organic Producer Spring 2009 Issue 28 11 2 Issue 28 Spring 2009 Organic Producer

GM contaminated crop grown in blunder sparks fears assessment. It is generally gene will spread to other fields accepted that 10 days training is required to contaminated crops, transfer across a wide become basically proficient seeds or honey, and fully area. Defra said that the at Hedge laying. compensate for any Somerset crop and seeds, Candidates for this financial losses. 'It must together with a crop from a programme generally also beef up monitoring neighbouring field, are have some prior experience systems to ensure illegal being held in storage and 6 days training is GM seeds are detected pending further tests. It considered to be sufficient.

and dealt with to prevent said: 'No GM material has Time required – 6 days A GM crop trial test site in Essex them being set loose in entered the food chain.’ training plus 1 day Application for Associate assessment. The training is of winter oilseed rape the environment. 'Once 'The seed harvested from Training in Membership GM genes are present in this trial, and an adjacent largely practical and the environment it is trial of spring oil seed Hedge Laying requires a suitable variety of extremely difficult to rape, has been identified hedges. · Associate Members have access Timescales: to all Co-op services. remove them. Sites used and is now being securely Basic Hedge Laying A crop of oilseed rape contaminated with GM seeds for crop trials in the past stored while the GM The hedge-laying season · Receive free quarterly Newsletter runs from the 1st has been illegally grown on a Somerset farm. Critics continue to produce a few Inspectorate continues its This is a basic hands-on (Organic Producer) September to the last day of the controversial technology worry that the error GM plants for many years. investigation. 'None of the training course. Participants · Can advertise Small Ads free in could threaten significant genetically-modified Experts from Defra's GM seed has been transported are introduced to the basic of February (to remain the newsletter or website within the provisions of the pollution of fields, weeds and honey. It seems that Inspectorate began onwards to other principles and techniques of · Can sell organic beef, lamb & Wildlife Amendment Act seeds sown on a Somerset farm last year were looking at the Somerset destinations and the the craft and are given the other produce to the Co-op tainted with genes from a GM plant, probably site following reports of investigation has opportunity to learn the (2000). The structure of the · Can attend general meetings and training within that period is because of cross-contamination in the U.S. The problems with the seed at confirmed no other oilseed requisite skills. At the end of contribute to discussions flexible. However, the food and farming department Defra identified the trial locations in Scotland. rape crops were grown in the course participants · Can participate in all Co-op error when the crop was harvested this summer and The new variety of oilseed the vicinity at the time of should be able to work opportunity for the trainees activates and training sessions to do unsupervised practice a link was drawn to another contamination incident rape, which was being the trial.' Defra was unassisted on an · Are eligible for co-option onto the or work experience after an involving the same seed in Scotland. Critics say the grown at two sites in unable to say what if any uncomplicated stretch of management committee. GM alert provides further evidence of the lack of Aberdeenshire and one steps have been taken to hedge. initial block of training would An Associate Member does not be beneficial. proper controls surrounding the growing of GM near Arbroath, were found ensure there has been no Course duration and hold a shareholding and receives Approximate Costs crops and the safety of this food. The GM trait in the to contain small amounts GM contamination of wild content can be varied to no dividends. oilseed rape is designed to protect the plant against of unauthorised GM plants and honey in the suit requirements. Basic Hedge Laying The cost of Associate Membership €65 / person per day heavy spraying with weed killers developed by material in the summer. area. In 2005, British Topics would include; in 2009 is €50.00 per year. maximum of eight trainees Monsanto, the American biotechnology giant. If this Unlike in England, these researchers found that 1. Theory of Hedgerow Payment can be made annually by trait is transferred to related wild plants it could pass plants had not matured genes from a GM version Rejuvenation Accredited Programme standing order with your bank. €700 / trainee on this same chemical resistance, creating so-called and so the opportunity for of oilseed rape had 2.Site Assessment Please request a s/o form from the maximum of six trainees super weeds. It is known that GM pollen from crop GM pollen to spread was transferred to two wild 3.Health and Safety; Risk office. trial sites can be carried up to 16 miles by bees. limited. At the time, the relatives during farm trials Assessment Inclusive of NPTC Registration and There have been cases where honey has been Scottish Government's in this country. The GM 4. Tools & Equipment Membership Application Form Assessment Fees contaminated with the result it is illegal to sell it. The environment minister oilseed rape was including Sharpening of I wish to become a Member of GM seeds involved in the Somerset contamination Michael Russell said the genetically modified to Edge Tools All materials, tools and LOFC and enclose 50/ please baaaabasic PPE equipment are incident involved only a small part of a much bigger incident posed a 'serious have a resistance to a 5. Basic Techniques of send me a standing order form prov provided for each course. oilseed rape crop that was being grown by risk' to the environment. weedkiller commonly used Hedge Laying Monsanto on a seed production site. The variety He said: 'Had these plants on farms and gardens. a. Making the Cut Public liability insurance Name: ………………………………. cover is provided. involved is known as GT73, which is authorised to been allowed to mature, This was apparently b. Securing the laid stems Address:………………………………

be sold as human and animal feed in the EU but not the risk to the environment transferred to field mustard c. Building the Hedge ………………………………………… to be grown here. Friends of the Earth said the could have been very - brassica rapa - and d. Styles Hedge Laying Association ………………………………………… of Ireland (HLAI) contamination was only the latest of a number of serious. 'This further charlock. Monsanto said it 6. Environmental County: ………………………………. Miskaun incidents involving the planting of crops and sale of emphasises the was not involved in the Considerations Telephone: ………………………….. food containing illegal GM DNA. Its senior food continuing need for suspect trials either in Ballinamore Email: ………………………………… Co. Leitrim campaigner, Clare Oxborrow, said: 'It's extremely rigorous controls on GM Scotland or Somerset. It Training to

worrying that once again contaminated and material and for Scotland said a third party firm had accreditation level in Organic Status .……………………… potentially unsafe GM seeds have been grown to remain a GM crop-free supplied the seeds which Hedgerow [email protected] Producer of ………………………….. 071 9644765 illegally in the UK. 'Local farmers and beekeepers zone.’ In fact, the tainted happened to contain traits Management 086 3028790 face serious financial consequences if their crops or crop in Somerset had from a Monsanto GM Please make cheques payable to: matured with all the plant. Courtesy Daily Telegraph honey are found to be polluted. 'The Government Hedge Laying (National must take urgent action to track down any associated risks of gene Proficiency Test Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op, Council / City & Guilds The Enterprise Centre, Unit AO20) Hill Road, Drumshanbo, This is a practical based Co. Leitrim. 071 9640868

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10 Issue 28 Spring 2009 Organic Producer Organic Producer Spring 2009 Issue 28 3 Hedgerow Workshop at Earley’s Ireland has largest Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture in EU Farm, Drumshanbo help us to stabilise these replacing roughage with Later in the day , I st Looking for Organic Food? he conference which On Saturday 21 of McCranns, at the junction T emissions but that is not concentrates, and even if pondered on what was not February 2009, The with the Keadue road. was entitled “The going to be enough. this does reduce methane discussed, and that no one Hedge Laying Association Moles Organic Farm Greening of Irish from the animal’s rumen suggested that the Agriculture” was opened of Ireland (HLAI) will be Notes for Editors Cloonslanor If actions to stabilise CO2 what about the CO2 used solutions to climate holding a Hedgerow The Hedge Laying Strokestown by Minister for food Trevor (Carbon Dioxide) and to produce and transport change will require huge Workshop at Tommy Association of Ireland is a Co. Roscommon Sargent TD. He stated in methane do not happen in those same concentrates. lifestyle changes as well Earley’s Farm, Mount voluntary group formed in his address that he was the next 18 months then as Then he suggested as changing our “disappointed that no Allen (on the Drumkeerin 2004 with the aim of one man from Mullingar at increasing clovers in consuming patterns to Road), Drumshanbo, Co. encouraging and facilitating speaker will specifically Direct Sales - Pork the coffee break stated we swards (now where have consume less. As an Leitrim. The event is open the conservation, address the potential that may be “whistling past the we heard of that idea organic farmer sitting at - Bacon to the public. Come along protection and appropriate organic farming methods graveyard “All leading before), and then went the conference I felt that - Sausages anytime from 10.30am management of can make to climate scientists know that there onto extol the virtues of there was not a willingness - Burgers until 4pm to see hedgerows. change solutions” As an are “tipping points” and at clover as if it was to face up to this - Lamb (in season) demonstrations in the organic farmer who the moment the levels of something new to conundrum. The time is listened to the different craft of hedge-laying and We can supply relevant CO2 and methane are agriculture. almost past for talking, As

a number of other aspects photographs. A Freshly picked vegetables also available, talks throughout the day, it pushing towards 400 ppm organic farmers we too

of hedgerow management representative can be on the farm or at Strokestown market on became clear that much of (part per million) with 550 John Geraghty an can do more to make our

and establishment. available for interview. Friday mornings. what was being prescribed ppm being a tipping point Agricultural Consultant systems more sustainable, as remedies all emanated The Workshop will also which will cause and lecturer outlined the but we have already include ENFO’s wildlife Contact from the organic stable. considerable upheavals in role that conservation adopted much of what was

exhibition on hedgerows, Mark McDowell, PRO: ORGANIC FEED our climate. The IFA tillage can play in reducing purported as solutions to a "Networks for Nature" Tel: 085 1645990 With Ireland having the speaker stated in his emissions. By not problem at the conference, and there will be an Neil Foulkes: highest agricultural conclusions that Ireland ploughing and leaving soil and much that was opportunity to purchase Tel: 086 3028790 Bulk € Bags € 25kg Greenhouse Gas was the second least bare it was possible omitted. good quality tools for Whole Rolled Whole Rolled Emissions (GHG) in affected country in terms of reduce CO2 emissions by hedge laying, such as Hedge Laying Association Organic 510 570 14.00 15.50 Europe at 26% of out total Wheat Climate Change impact . almost half and also to A strategy I would put billhooks and pruning of Ireland (HLAI) emissions and only behind This came across and as if greatly improve Soil forward would be to cap

saws. Supported by Miskaun Luxemburg in having the somehow we live in a Organic Matter levels. It production and Leitrim County Council Ballinamore Organic 400 480 12.50 14.00 highest GHG emissions in Barley parallel universe detached was like being at an move land into areas of under the Local Agenda Co. Leitrim Europe , we can hardly be from the rest. Organic lecture with talk of deficit such as fruit and

21 Environmental described as showing the soil composition, green vegetable production .This Partnership Awards, Telephone: 086 3028790 Organic 460 520 13.0 14.50 way forward in this area. Oats There was a lot of talk of manuring to aid fertility would greatly reduce this event will showcase Our livestock systems are efficiencies and how you and prevent soil erosion dependence on imports the main contributor to this traditional techniques that Email: nd can get more kg’s of beef and reduce emissions. and also these enterprises promote the sustainable [email protected] 2 Year 360 400 10.0 11.50 through methane Conversion and litres of milk through The graph once again have almost negligible management of emissions. Despite the efficiencies. When the showed Ireland up in a emission issues compared Oats hedgerows maintaining Website: numerous contributions Keenan representative was poor light with to livestock production, All and improving their value www.hedgelaying.ie there still not seem to be Organic 610 670 16.50 18.50 questioned about being able conservation tillage now existing cattle production for biodiversity and their obvious solutions to the to reduce emissions through making up 50% of all to move up the value chain Peas long term viability. It problem. The IFA speaker diet, it was clear he had not tillage in the UK and zero by being Organic or at should be of interest to stated that emissions had Organic 510 N/A 14.00 N/A taken into account the issue in the case of Ireland. least GM Free. Other land · Farmers, land owners been reduced since the of inputs, and the emissions John Geraghty stated the not suitable for vegetable Peas/Wheat and estate managers mid-nineties but this is getting all the ingredients to chemicals needed at the production to be turned

· Local Communities, totally accidental. He cited the farm etc. “The Elephant start in the system can be over to sustainable Tidy Town and the move to under 30 was in the room but nobody phased out and green forestry, to create vibrant Development groups month cattle which meant could or wanted to see him”. manures used to control wood based industries that the animals were · Local Authority weeds by keeping ground underpinning local Planners and Engineers moved off the farms faster, What was clearly needed covered after a crop is employment and but this came about as a · Landscape Architects / was to reduce inputs and to taken out. This he said enhancing the potential of result of BSE, and Planners become less dependent on was not always popular the countryside for decoupling also caused · Agricultural & grains for feeding livestock. with the chemical tourism. Now that would stock numbers to be Environmental Consultants Free Gary Lanigan from Teagasc industry, especially with really be the “Greening of further reduced. In an odd · Foresters and Cooking talked about carbon chemicals so integral to Irish Agriculture” way the further reduction arboriculturalists mitigation strategies. On the minimum tillage Advice! in both the beef and one hand he talked about Report by John Brennan · Schools, Colleges, and numbers may Universities · State Bodies – NPWS, CIE, Waterways Ireland, NRA, etc. (071) 96 33775 Closed Sunday’s

Entry is free. Parking at

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Organic Producer Spring 2009 Issue 28 9 4 Issue 28 Spring 2009 Organic Producer Growing Interest in Organic Production Organic Farming Scheme Plans Drumshanbo The downturn in the fruit and vegetables. organic production from economy and increasing Courses are offered can horticulture to pigs and Mart Leitrim Organic Farmers addition if you are a The first Organic Sale for job losses is having an be certified and are beef and sheep Co-op can now draw up farmer, going into 2009 will take place on impact across all sectors. subsidised through throughout 2009. NOTS th While consumers are Skillnets funding. can be contacted on 071 your Orga nic F arming Organics under REPS 4 Saturday March 7 in scheme plan. Farmers we can also process your Drumshanbo. This is in watching their spending 9640688 or email who wish to enter Organic Organic plan in response to a demand from and people seek new The NOTS training [email protected] or check the opportunities for programme will run in website www.nots.ie for a farming no longer have to conjunction with your farmers for an early mart. join REPS as the Organic REPS planner. employment, people are 2009 addressing the complete list of courses Transport can be arranged Farming Scheme is stand For more information on through the Mart Office. looking back to the land to training needs required by and events. As part of its see if income can be organic and aspiring ongoing training alone. This will suit many this service contact the Contact Eoin Kane at 071 small operators who have office at 9641116. As usual, all stock generated. The renewed organic operators and programme National found participation in 071 9640868 or should be booked in with interest in organic also delivering academic Organic Training Skillnet production is especially courses through distance are holding a 1 day REPS prohibitive. In [email protected] IOFGA in advance at 043 42495 noticeable in the small learning programmes to Organic Conference on farm area. The National master’s degree standard. March 3rd on the area of Organic Training Skillnet The courses provided are market challenges during whom have been flexible in their geographic the current economic providing training for location, dates and course climate and will feature Organic Farming provides answers to feeding AFRICA those interested in duration. Training is also best practice studies and

A major study by the care services in African has lead to benefits to the training in organic available to commercial international speakers on United Nations organic farming natural environment, with production has seen a organic businesses with direct sales and public Environment Programme communities. "Organic the UNEP report showing large upsurge in interest. in-house training needs. procurement. (UNEP) concludes organic agriculture offers an a 93 per cent of case farming offers Africa the alternative and studies reporting benefits “We have received a In 2008 over 800 people The National Organic significant number of calls have taken part in training Training Skillnet (NOTS) best chance of breaking sustainable future for to soil fertility, water the long inherent cycle of African farmers," says Dr. supply, flood control and from landowners with from practical growing is funded by member poverty and malnutrition. Lyons. She says the biodiversity. Also, when acreage of less than 20 skills in vegetable companies and the Research conducted by report provides a clear sustainable agricultural acres whom are now production, cereal growing Training Networks UNEP suggests that direction for reducing the practices, which covered a interested in Organic and livestock Programme, an initiative organic, small-scale current crisis in agriculture variety of systems and Horticulture. Their farms management and of Skillnets Ltd. farming can deliver the and food systems in crops, were adopted, were too small for viable marketing. In addition to Funded from the National increased yields which developing countries average crop yields livestock production and our ongoing training, Training Fund through the were thought to be the organic, all the way. "It increased by 79 per cent. were normal leased out to NOTS are planning to Department of Enterprise, preserve of industrial high- demystifies the Overall, the report found adjoining farms while host a range of evening Trade and Employment. tech farming, in addition to assumption that genetic an increase in organic people gained an income discussions or seminars

reversing environmental engineering and other farming in Africa could primarily from the on different aspects of and social damages, high-tech approaches to lead to savings on construction sector. leading to greater food farming are required to production costs (due to These people are now security. The head of the feed the world. "In no expenditure on looking to that same land Irish Organic and Growers Announce Formal UN's Environment contrast, it is organic synthetic inputs), promote to provide them with a Programme, Achim farming systems that have economic viability and supplementary income in Link with UK Soil Association during the recession”, Steiner, says the report demonstrated the greatest encourage food self- "indicates that the potential to feed the says Sean McGloin reliance. The Guardian The agreement will allow when dealing with the potential contribution of world’s one billion starving Network Manager with IOFGA and its members complex requirements of organic farming to feeding people, and to ensure the National Organic Training For Rent - Mobile to draw on the extensive the food processing and the world may be far long term sustainability of Skillnet. Meat/Cheese Unit, research and manufacturing industry. higher than many had global food production," development programme supposed." Dr. Kristen she says. The UNEP fully refrigerated. With this in mind the of the Soil Association as Kate Carmody Lyons is a senior lecturer report proposes that For use in Farmers National Organic Training well as their expertise in chairperson of IOFGA at the School of African communities need Skillnet is running a series Markets. Up to HSE the provision of commented that, ‘We are Bimolecular and Physical to look to alternative of 10 day Organic requirements. As information on organics, delighted to announce our Sciences at Griffith methods of farming as Horticulture course new. For further certification, marketing agreement with the Soil University (QLD) and the genetic engineering is around the country. In and the promotion of Association to work director of Mukwano prohibitively expensive details Contact 071 2009 National Organic organic food. together for the mutual Australia, a non-for-profit and therefore out of reach 9640688 Training Skillnet will be This is of growing benefit of our members. group supporting the for most African farmers. running course in areas of importance given the We have enjoyed a close development of health Organic farming in Africa the country. The course working relationship with will be run once a fortnight increasing complexity of and is designed to train EU regulations governing them for many years. people what’s involved in the organic sector and it growing a wide range of will be especially relevant This watermark does not appear in the registered version - http://www.clicktoconvert.com

8 Issue 28 Spring 2009 Organic Producer Organic Producer Spring 2009 Issue 28 5 National Organic Pig Survey WON Organic Producers and Restaurants Survey Leitrim Organic Farmers own markets in the main. Western Organic Network in working Biodiverse pastures yield better Quality Meat Co-op is undertaking a With numbers increasing it on a study researching how food A study has concluded is embodied in systems research offers a different national survey of organic is important to adopt a service and producers can better work that meat from animals such as the Appelation take on sustainable pig producers and those market led approach to together to increase the amount of raised on biodiverse d’Origin Controlee. agricultural production; considering going into ensure that the product is organic produce available in pastures tastes better and one that is less about production in 2009. The sold organically, and restaurants. The study focuses mainly However while France has is nutritionally superior leaving ‘as small a need for a survey came attracts a sufficient on the border region but WON is some 52 protected than conventional meat, footprint as possible’ on out of a meeting on the premium to justify the high casting the net wide to find out your designations for meat cots of production. If you experience on a national level. WON prompting calls for more some pre-existing nature, future of the sector, products, the UK has just and one that is more wish to take part in the are keen to hear from as many place-based labeling. facilitated by National eight. While biodiverse survey please email the producers and chefs as possible! To Researchers from the about seeing food Organic Training Skillnet pasture-fed animals tend production and nature coop at participate, you can contact us at University of Exeter in the and held recently in Birr. to produce lower volumes production as being [email protected] [email protected] or UK set out to measure the The purpose of the survey (in terms of number of mutually constituting,” or contact us by Phone at 0719640688 for information on how to benefits of producing meat is to determine quantities animals and body weight) reported the researchers. the 071 9640868 The access the Survey Monkey online according to less intense of produce available in to intensive meat, the Prof Henry Buller, who led information supplied to the questionnaire. Initial findings will be methods on quality, and to 2009 and beyond. The higher selling price that the research, believes that coop will be held in presented at the NOTS organic measure the market organic pig sector is can be leveraged as a producers and policy- confidence and is solely producer conference in Offaly in potential for the products. dominated by producers result of better quality makers in the UK could be for the purpose stated. March. The project is funded by They looked across the who have developed their International Fund for Ireland. make for viable farm leveraging this to a Channel to France, where enterprise – especially greater extent, and the ecological quality of when coupled with thinking about new ways land is often linked to the agricultural payment to label and promote meat quality of the produce reared on biodiverse schemes. Ultimately, this Unusual back scratching device spotted on the farm of Gerry reared on it – and that link principals (Buller Henry et al 2007).

Fitzsimons, Kilcogy, Co. Cavan !

Drumshanbo Organic Marts 2009 New Organic Certification Body for Ireland Drumshanbo Mart PLC welcome enquiries from in conjunction with Northern Ireland as well. Leitrim Organic Farmers On the certification front Institute Co-op will run 6 Organic Please ensure that your of Market ecology (IMO) was Sales in 2009. Please note cattle are tested and in the recently registered as a new these dates for your calendar: case of heifers that they organic certification body are blood tested. Properly operating in Ireland. th · March 7 (Cattle and weaned animals were IMO is an internationally dispersal sale of ewes – sought out at the Autumn recognised certifier and has been refer to page 12) marts and buyers have working in Ireland for a number of · April 18th (Cattle Only) taken note of farmers who rd years certifying aquaculture · May 23 (Cattle Only) have weaned their calves, products as organic to the private th · September 19 (Cattle, so it is in your own interest Naturland standard. Breeding Sheep and to make sure your calves The registration coincides with the Store Lambs) are weaned properly in the th current year. inclusion of aquaculture within the · October 24 (Cattle scope of the new Organic Breeding Sheep and Also there is a tendency Regulation from 1 January 2009. Store Lambs) for buyers to want stronger From an organic farming · November 21st (Cattle cattle and cattle in excess of 300kgs tended to attract standpoint Competition is always Only) welcome and IMO will bring the a better price on the day. number of certifying bodies up to three where it was before Co-op members will be All livestock should be booked in with the Demeter decided to discontinue notified by text closer to the certification in 2007. individual dates. IOFGA Office Buyers should note that Phone: 043 42495 transport will be arranged Fax: 043 42496 countrywide and that we

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6 Issue 28 Spring 2009 Organic Producer Organic Producer Spring 2009 Issue 28 7

National Organic Training Skillnet Courses for 2009 Irish Moiled Cattle Project

NOTS

UPCOMING

COURSES

Connaught/Ulster

Commercial Organic Horticulture 10 day Course: Friday 27th February in Mayo Abbey €360

Commercial Organic Horticulture 10 day Course: Tuesday 10th March in the Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co Leitrim €350

Commercial Organic Horticulture 10 day Course: Saturday 21st March in Beechlawn Organic Farm, Ballinasloe, Co Galway €350

In 2007 the Western Organic Network with the support of the Heritage Council commenced a biodiversity project

aimed at the protection of Irelands rarest breed of cattle, “The Irish Moiled”. The main aims of the plan was to Local Food Seminar Linking with Producers, 1 day Seminar: Monday 16th February in An Gairdin, Portumna, Co Galway €25 build up a network of farmers that would keep Irish moiled cattle on their farms and increase

the numbers of the herd in order to reduce the risk of the breed being lost for all time. The programme resulted in Leinster 23 females and 3 bulls being purchased and placed on 16 organic beef and farms in North West and midlands. In 2008 the programme continues with additional 21 females and 3 bulls being purchased. As all heifer Commercial Organic Horticulture 10 day Course: Saturday 7th March in Co Meath €350 calves are being retained for breeding. The network is on schedule to have a minimum of 60 breeding females on organic farms in 2009.

Intro to Organic Cereal Growing 1 day Course: Wednesday 22nd April in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath €40 Ongoing discussions with the host farmers suggest that the Irish Moiled cattle are well suited to organic systems. Irish Moiled cattle are resourceful grazers and utilise all types of grassland and according to reports will “tackle into eating rushes”. If permitted, animals can be wintered outside and doesn’t require much feeding over winter. Munster Irish Moiled Cattle are hornless breed with a reputation for easy calving and high fertility. The rare breed premium under REPS 4 will also give an additional incentive for organic farmers to consider the rare breed option. Commercial Organic Horticulture 10 day Course: Starting Saturday 21st February in Kenmare, Co Kerry €350 As with all rare breeds there is a limited genetic base, the Western Organic Network has been working closely with its members and the Irish Moiled Cattle Society to reduce the inbreeding issue. There is at present 1 bull in Commercial Organic Horticulture 10 day Course: Starting Tuesday 24th February in Nano Nagle Centre, near AI and plans for another 2 bulls to be placed in AI in 2009. Also the network of farmers is looking at different Mallow, Co Cork €320 options such as bull share to provide suitable breeding alternatives for its members. The group aim to work collectively with the Irish Moiled Cattle Society to ensure the breed flourishes, and that issue of inbreeding is Organic Gardening without digging 8 day Course: Saturday 4th April in Enniscean, Co Cork €240 reduced. To that end funding towards putting additional bulls into AI for semen collection in 2009 has been secured from the Department of Agriculture. Distance Learning Training In conjunction with Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-Op, there is a plan to develop a niche rare breed meat organic

Organic Poultry Production (meat) training course, Late spring/early summer product from excess males that are not required for breeding purposes. Like many rare breed animals the meat is To be organised in association with Teagasc (Nuala King poultry specialist) deemed to be of a very high standard. In 2008 one 22 month old steer that was grass finished was slaughtered and sold to a local restaurant where the reviews on meat quality was deemed as excellent As more animals come on stream it is planned to sell this speciality product to select markets. For further details on the courses above please contact NOTS on 071-9640688 or [email protected] or see the website www.nots.ie. In other news Western Organic Network has contracted Ashtown Food Centre to carry out sensory analysis on Irish Moiled meat . The results which will be available later in the year, may provide us with data which will aid with promotion of the meat products . If your interested in further information on Irish Moiled Cattle, please email [email protected] or tel. 071 9640688