Organic farming scheme to restart in January with revised conditions

THE organic farming scheme is to be reopened subject to the outcome of the Government estimates process.

Last July, the scheme was suspended for new applications, pending the outcome of a review. The review looked at how 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.

Food and Horticulture Minister Trevor Sargent said yesterday it is his intention to re-open the scheme from January with revised conditions.