The Irish Organic Association (IOA) has said that a “radical overhaul” of biodiversity management is needed, following the publication today (Wednesday, April 5) of the final report and recommendations from the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss.
According to the IOA, the report reaffirms the need for meaningful action and change across key parts of the economy and society.
The report considers all sectors including agriculture, with key recommendations to develop organic production and consumption, as part of the solution for supporting biodiversity protection and enhancement.
Gillian Westbrook said: “The Irish Organic Association welcomes the recommendations of Citizens’ Assembly for the Irish government and society to continue to invest in the development of organic food and farming across the country.
“Flourishing biodiversity is essential for healthy ecosystems and sustainable farming, with over 30 years of research demonstrating the benefits of organic farming for biodiversity – both above and below the ground.
“To ensure the organic sector reaches its full potential, it is essential that organic farmers and business, committed to biodiversity protection and enhancement, are at the forefront of Irish agri-food policy and market development actions from farm to fork.
“This includes not only expanding and developing the organic farmland area and organic supply chains both at home and abroad, but also ensuring that farmers and business are adequately rewarded and not restricted for their efforts in supporting biodiversity,” she added.
Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss
The Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss was convened to examine how the state can improve its response to the issue of biodiversity loss, and to bring forward proposals, meeting on six occasions between May 2022 and January 2023.
The IOA supported the deliberations and discussions of the Assembly through a number of evidence-based contributions, including a written submission and in-person presentation.
According to the association, the most recent review of the research over the last 30 years concludes that species richness and abundance are up 35% and 55% higher on organic farms depending on the species.
This includes both fair market returns and policy incentives.
The IOA has stressed that too often organic farmers cannot combine organic and relevant environmental payments due to often unjustified double funding concerns, undermining potential biodiversity gains.