Sargent relaunches grants scheme for organic farming

FARMERS can once again apply for support under the Organic Farming Scheme and for grants under both the on-farm and off-farm schemes for the development of the sector.

Horticulture and Food Minister Trevor Sargent said despite budgetary constraints the funding available remains adequate to ensure the Programme for Government target to convert a minimum 5% of acreage to organic farmland by 2012 can be realised. The Organic Farming Scheme is an agri-environment measure under the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food’s Rural Development Programme 2007-13.

Farmers may enter into a contract for a minimum of five years and could qualify for yearly payments of up to €283 per hectare during the conversion period and up to €142 per hectare when they have achieved full organic status. Following a review last year, applicants will now be required to submit a business plan and, if they have not previously taken part in the organic supplementary measure in REPS, to undertake an approved training course.