No surprise over drop in numbers entering Organic Farming Scheme

Numbers entering the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) have reduced from 180 valid applicants in 2012 to 105 this year, according to figures from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

The OFS for 2013 closed for applications on May 15. The department is still processing applications. The eventual figure may differ from the 105 successful applicants processed so far. Those within the organic sector are not surprised by the figures.

“This is a funny year because of the Cap reforms,” said Grace Maher of the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA). “People are waiting to see if they will get a better deal after the Cap reforms before deciding whether or not to go into organic.