IRELAND is missing its chance to become a major European producer of organic meat because of the Government's failure to invest in the industry, according to the Irish Organic Farmers' and Growers' Association.
Its co ordinator, Ms Noreen Gibney, said some 270 Irish farmers were producing organic livestock but no network had yet been established to publicise this and export to Europe.
"I think we have lost out in that we should have had our market built up by now. Our problem has always been funds,,to help get the message across, said Ms Gibney.
About 22,000 acres of land north and south of the Border is being used to produce organic meat.
No chemical fertilisers are allowed on the feed or grass, and the animals are not automatically treated for worms or fluke. If treatment - other than vaccinations - is necessary, the animal is no longer termed organically produced.
Most organic farmers operate west of the Shannon, away from the intensive farming more common in the east. They are all registered with the IOFGA and are subjected to spot checks and summary reports.
The meat is sold to individual households, through some co operatives, or O'Toole's butcher's in Terenure, Dublin. The principal organic butcher in the State, O'Toole's sales have been growing steadily for the past six years while the price of meat has been falling.
Organic meat currently costs about 20 per cent more than conventional meat. Six years ago it was twice the price of the usual meat.
"It is as nature intended and there are no chemical fertilisers used on the grass, no hormones and no growth promoters," said Mr O'Toole.
"The taste is slightly richer, more natural, but visually there is no difference. But you know the taste is clear," said Mr O'Toole.
He said a tagging system was used to allow consumers trace the meat back to the producer. He said his family started dealing in organic meat to ensure safety and quality.
The Department of Agriculture said it recommended organic farming but could not force producers to get involved.
A spokesman said grants were available under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme to help farmers change from conventional to organic methods.