National Organic Awards 2026 launched at Bloom
Organic produce has slowly grown in importance for Irish producers but there are now 6,100 Irish organic farmers and food businesses across Ireland.
The National Organic Awards are now open to entries after it was recently launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD at Bloom in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Jointly hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Bord Bia, the flagship biennial awards will take place in September, at the Bord Bia Global Hub in Dublin.
Research from Bord Bia shows that the Irish market for organic produce grew by +12.5% last year, driven by ever increasing retailer and consumer appreciation for organic food.
Speaking at the joint Bord Bia and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine organic show garden, Nature in Balance, during the 20th anniversary Bloom gardening, food and sustainability festival, Minister Heydon said: “Ireland’s organic sector continues to play an increasingly important role in the sustainable development of the Irish agri-food sector, presenting significant opportunities to increase our food exports to meet growing demand for organic products on international markets. The National Organic Strategy has set an ambitious target of €750 million in wholesale output by 2030, and great strides are being made to achieve this.”
“Launching the Call for Entries for the Awards at Bloom, alongside our organic show garden, is a wonderful way to bring the story of organic farming closer to consumers and to highlight the strong momentum and opportunity within the sector.”
The National Organic Awards recognise excellence and innovation across Ireland’s organic farming and food sector and will celebrate producers, retailers, exporters, farmers and food businesses championing organic production in Ireland.
The full list of award categories includes:
Best Irish Organic Brand Award
Best Irish Organic Farmer Award (Male and female)
Best Irish Organic Retailer Award
Best Irish Organic Exporter Award
Best New and Innovative Irish Organic Product Award
Best Irish Organic Foodservice and Impact Initiative Award
The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony celebrating the very best of Irish organic food and farming, with judging due to take place at the Bord Bia Global Hub on 3 September.
Speaking at the launch, representatives highlighted the continued growth and momentum within Ireland’s organic sector and the importance of recognising innovation, quality and leadership across the industry.
CEO of Bord Bia Jim O’Toole said: “Consumer interest in organic food continues to grow both in Ireland and internationally, with shoppers increasingly seeking food that reflects quality, provenance, and sustainability. Bloom provides the ideal platform to showcase the passion, innovation, and expertise that exists in Ireland’s organic food and farming sector.”