Incentives to aid organic expansion

THERE is real scope for organic production to expand in the new more market-orientated scenario with the help of the incentives available, Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan claimed in a written reply to a Dáil question.

She told Fianna Fáil TD Sean Ó Fearghaíl that since rural environment protection schemes (REPS) began in 1994, it has delivered some €37 million to the sector.

The Rural Development Programme (2007-2013) will build on the success of REPS by including measures designed to encourage development in the organic tillage and horticulture areas.