New Organic Farming Scheme scheme will open soon

Applications for the new Organic Farming Scheme must be made online, but there will be no requirement to use an agricultural advisor to make the applications, said Tom Hayes, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, when he recently announced that the new scheme will open for applications shortly.

“The application process itself will be quite simple, and most farmers should have no difficulty in submitting their applications.

“However, those who prefer to have their advisor make the application on their behalf will be able to do so,” said Minister Hayes.

The new scheme will offer significantly increased rates of aid to organic farmers, both in conversion and when fully established.

“While the formal approval process for the Rural Development Programme as a whole has still to be completed, we now have a clear understanding with the European Commission as to the substance of the new scheme and the rates of payment that will be made” the Minister said.

Minister Hayes said that his Department would write to all existing Organic Farming Scheme participants to update them on the position and to advise them of their options.