National Organic Week – organic events

This year national organic week takes place from the 10th-16th of September. Bord Bia are organising the event and below see information regarding National Organic Week and the National Organic Food Awards. Please note that closing date to apply for funding is Monday July 23rd, 2012.

National Organic Week 2012 will take place from the 10^th to the 16^th September with the theme ‘Enjoy Organic- It’s Only Natural’.  Our objectives are to raise awareness of the benefits of locally produced organic food and increase consumption frequency among the core target – the over 45 year old female shopper group.  These objectives will be achieved with your participation and through a combination of national and regional press advertising, PR and online activities. All activities for this week will be co-ordinated by Bord Bia on behalf of the new Organic Committee, Organic Focus and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine.

How You Can Get Involved?

You can celebrate the week by organising an Organic Event or displaying the “Enjoy Organic – It’s only Natural” point of sale material. If you are planning an event such as an organic cookery demonstration, a barbecue or a farm walk, let us know and we will assist in promoting your event in advance through relevant media and online.

How to let us know about your Event & Apply for Organic Event Funding

To let us know about your event , how to access the “Enjoy Organic – It’s only Natural” point of sale material and apply for funding please go to www.bordbia.ie  and complete the Online Organic Week 2012 Form   by Monday 23rd July. You should complete each section & proof read the event details that you submit carefully as these details will appear in print in national and regional newspapers.

It’s important to note that funding is not guaranteed and will only be awarded to a selected number of events that meet the criteria detailed below and within the limits of the available funding. The criteria are as follows:

• That it increases consumer awareness of locally produced organic products.
• That your event’s location is easily accessible for the general public.
• That locally produced organic products are displayed for sampling and/or for sale at the event.

Remember the sooner we have your Online Organic Week 2012 Form , the more time we will have to maximise your publicity in advance. Your support is very important in making National Organic Week 2012 a success and will result in increasing consumer awareness of locally produced organic food, so please ensure that you tell us about your event and apply for the available support.

I would also like to remind you that The National Organic Awards will be presented on 10th of September and the categories for the awards are as follows:

The deadline for receipt of applications is Monday 13th of August and all information and entry forms can be found on the www.bordbia.ie/OrganicAwards2012