Organic food production in Ireland has received a boost following the publication of a European Commission action plan to promote organic farming in the Union.
The plan includes a commitment to allow member-states top up EU grants to producers of organic fruit and vegetables.
Only 1 per cent of Irish land is under organic production, with just over 1,000 farmers involved.
But there is a growing interest in the sector because of the high returns for the products compared to conventional farming.
The 21-point plan includes a commitment to increasing consumer awareness of the organic food market.
The Commission is also committed to encouraging member-states to make more coherent and greater use of the different rural development measures.
It has suggested that national action plans be drawn up, and that there should be much more research conducted into organic production.
The Commission said it also wanted to improve the EU's organic farming standards, reinforce import and inspection requirements to increase consumer confidence, and increase transparency in the way organic food is produced and sold.
The Commission wants to establish an independent expert panel for technical advice, and has urged closer co-ordination between inspection bodies as well as a better enforcement regime.