New organic farming scheme launched

The opening of a new Organic Farming Scheme has been announced by Minister of State Tom Hayes during a visit to the farm of John Purcell, Good Herdsmen, an organic meat processor, in Golden, Cashel, Co Tipperary.

Mr Hayes said the scheme is a key support measure that enables farmers to avail of the growing market opportunities for organic food.

“My job is to encourage farmers to avail of these opportunities and by doing so, maximise their potential income,” he said.

The minister said the new scheme offers significantly increased rates of aid to organic farmers, both in conversion and when fully established. Applications for the new scheme must be made online, but there will be no requirement to use an agricultural advisor to make the applications. He said the process itself is 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,” he said.

Farmers enter into a contract for a minimum of five years, with standard rate payments of up to €220 per hectare a year during conversion and up to €170 per hectare when they have achieved full organic status. Payment rates are available for organic horticultural and tillage.

Mr Hayes said the closing date is May 29. Decisions will be made then on the number of applicants that will be accepted into the scheme. The agri-environment measure is under the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.