Praise as key organic scheme re-opens

The re-opening of the organic farming scheme for 2013 has been welcomed by the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney, who announced the move, said the scheme is of vital importance to the development of the organic sector.

It encourages farmers to consider the organic option and avail of the potential market opportunities that clearly exist, he said.

Mr Coveney said 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.

Applicants are required to submit a business plan with their application, and to undertake an approved training course if they have not previously taken part in the Organic Supplementary Measure in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS).

May 15 is the closing date for applications.

Decisions will be made at that stage on the level of funding and on the number of applicants that will be accepted into the scheme.

Gillian Westbrook, general manager, Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association, said the re-opening of the scheme is extremely important for farmers waiting to enter the organic sector, and particularly for those existing organic farmers who were previously in REPS 4.

“The scheme is pivotal for the development of organic farming. Demand for Irish organic produce continues to rise, and with beef prices currently reaching €5.10/kg there is a growing confidence and stability within the sector,” she said.

Ms Westbrook urged farmers to participate in “the ultimate sustainable low-input farming system,” and help to deliver on the Common Agricultural Policy’s core objectives.