Treacy approves organic farms

Ireland: Seven organic demonstration farms have been approved by Food Minister Noel Treacy.

They are being established initially on a pilot basis for one year to demonstrate a variety of organic farming methods.

The selected farmers will get an annual payment for facilitating a number of focus visits-farm walks in 2004. The farmers employ horticulture, mixed farming, dairying, tillage and poultry in six counties.

As participants in the Teagasc national farm survey and monitor farm network, they will provide valuable financial and practical production data for the ongoing development of the sector.

Mr Treacy said it was a positive development as the farms will provide an opportunity for existing and potential organic operators to visit first-class facilities and see production and management techniques.

“There is a steady and growing demand for organic food, and, with decoupling around the corner, the organic sector offers an opportunity that some farmers will want to take up,” he said.

Those selected for the demonstration farms are Peter D Quinn, Donard, Co Wicklow; David Notley, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim; Ernest Mackey, Donard, Co Wicklow; James Mulhall, Ballickmoyler, Co Carlow; Fintan and Valerie Rice, Fethard, Co Tipperary; Stuart Kingston, Farnanes, Co Cork and Ben and Charlotte Colchester, Urlingford, Co Kilkenny.