Why aren’t more Irish food businesses chasing the organic market?
Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Organic Specialist, reflects on the European Organic Congress in Cork and ponders why more Irish food businesses aren’t chasing it.
9 October 2026
Organics
The Irish organic sector has experienced a large influx of new farmers in recent years, with over 5,600 farmers now farming organically – including just over 700 who entered conversion in January 2025. A major factor distinguishing organic farming from other approaches to sustainable farming is the existence of internationally acknowledged standards and certification procedures. A two-year conversion period is required before a farm is given organic status. Organic farming can be a profitable system of farming by maintaining good output levels through the adaption of organic farming production methods, coupled with lower production costs and premium market prices contribute to higher margins.
