Organic farming scheme review to examine how 5% target will be met

A REVIEW of the organic farming scheme, under which support is paid to farmers in the sector, has been announced.

Food Minister Trevor Sargent said the review will look at how available funds are used to best effect to deliver increased organic production and attain a 5% Government growing target. Just over 1% of agricultural land in Ireland is currently certified as organic. Consultation has already taken place with the organic certification bodies, and other stakeholders will also have an opportunity to take part in the process.

The outcome of the review will be announced during National Organic Week, which begins on September 14.

Like all schemes operated by the department, participation levels in future would be determined by the amount of funding available.

Mr Sargent said funding for the scheme will be determined later in the year when the Government prepares the estimates for 2010. “It is my responsibility to make sure that what funding we have is used to bring maximum benefit and to realise the growing potential of organic farming in Ireland,” he said.

Mr Sargent indicated he was likely to amend the scheme to include selection criteria that would identify applicants most likely to deliver increased output, particularly in areas where production is not meeting the demands of the home and export markets.

“Some prospective applicants may have more to offer than others, and I would urge anyone who is thinking of applying to do some research first, undertake some training and talk to an organic adviser or one of the organic certification bodies,” he said.

Mr Sargent said the existing scheme is suspended for new applications, pending the outcome of the review.

The Irish organic retail market was estimated to be worth €120 million in January 2009. Up to 75% in some categories of organic food sold in Ireland, particularly fruit and vegetables, is imported. “Much of this food could be produced in Ireland,” said Mr Sargent, noting there are 1,450 operators in the sector, including some 1,220 producers.

- The following blight warning has been issued by Met Éireann: weather conducive to the spread of potato blight will occur at times over Friday and the weekend.