Responding to the Storm Éowyn Impacts facing Organic Growers
Following the devastating effects of Storm Éowyn many organic growers across the country face severe damage to polytunnels and other equipment, with potential knock-on effects for the supply of Irish organic horticulture produce. Grower stories since the aftermath of the storm clearly show that government assistance is urgently needed. Polytunnels, in particular, are essential for producing seedlings and specialty crops as well as for extending the growing season.
The Irish Organic Association has written to Martin Heydon TD, Minster for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Michael Healy-Rae TD Minister of State with responsibility for Horticulture, Forestry and Farm Safety. We have asked the incoming Ministers to ensure that emergency measures are put in place immediately to alleviate the current devastation, and to address the long-term resilience of organic horticulture production in Ireland.
Update: (04/02/2025) A meeting of the Horticulture Industry Forum, which includes a number of organic growers, will take place on the 11th February with the Minister and officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to discuss the impacts growers are facing following the storm as well as boarder issues and opportunities that the wider sector is encountering.
The Irish Organic Association will continue to monitor the situation.