Root and Branch approach to grow organic sales

Organic Farmer, John McCormick and Entrepreneur, Ben Craig have launched a new Northern Irish Organic Brand, Root and Branch Organic, a new initiative that aims to grow the green economy, build community and create a sustainable path towards education and wellbeing.

Initially Root and Branch Organic will focus on marketing organic vegetables, fruit and eggs. In the medium to long-terms, the group has plans to extend its product range in line with growth in organic food production in Northern Ireland.

John McCormick started Helen's Bay Organic Gardens in County Down, one of Northern Ireland's oldest organic farm businesses, which has been operating a box delivery operation for 20 years and has now re-branded this operation to Root & Branch Organic, commenting on the initiative he says,

"We see this as an evolution of our work to bring about a change in agricultural production in Northern Ireland to be truly healthy and sustainable and to create an alternative to the large multiple retailers who cannot be a realistic market for small producers like us."

Ben Craig came up with the concept for Root & Branch Organic and teamed up with John McCormick to make it a reality.

Root and Branch Organic is an ethically based business and has three core principles: - Community - Earth - Wellbeing. seeking to incorporate these ideals into all that it does.

Speaking about the scheme Ben said, "We believe that the opportunities for organic produce are extensive and intend to develop a campaign that will raise the profile and increase sales that will, in turn, enable us to extend the products that we will be able to offer. For instance, we offer exclusively certified organic produce and over the course of a year 65% of the produce is sourced from N. Ireland. We would like to drive our offering beyond this percentage and are excited to see the number grow. By linking directly with organic farmers we aim to bring consumers the most locally sourced, environmentally friendly, and delicious organic produce they will ever have tasted."

The Root & Branch Organic Box Scheme includes produce from Orchard Organics in County Armagh, already established as one of Ireland's leading producers of organic fruit and vegetables. The products also include mushrooms which are certified by the Soil Association. It has also operated a successful box delivery scheme.

In addition to Helen's Bay Organics and Orchard Organics, Root and Branch Organics currently includes four other organic farmers - Roy Lyttle, Strangford, County Down, Hamilton Kee, Omagh, County Tyrone, and Michael Trainor, Tyrella, also County Down. Organic eggs are provided by Farmlea Eggs, an established business in the field of egg production and supply.

The brand seek to reduce carbon mileage and build community by encouraging new customers to help establish 'hub centres', collection points for multiple customers from a local area. For more information on getting involved, check out www.rootandbranchorganic.comor drop an email to tastyfood@rootandbranchorganic.com