‘Landmark day’ for the organic farming sector
“The fact that 504 of these applicants are converting to organics for the first time highlights increased recognition of the potential opportunities that exist for organic producers, both at home and abroad,” said Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes.
The 870 applications account for over 46,000 hectares, and over 58% of this area is being brought into organic production for the first time. “This is a landmark day for the organic farming sector,” said Minister Hayes.
The Organic Farming Scheme, co-funded by the EU, offers farmers a contract for at least five years, with standard rate payments of up to €220 per hectare a year during the conversion period and up to €170/ha when they have achieved full organic status. Higher payment rates are available for organic horticultural and tillage farmers.
Also this week, in the EU Farm Ministers Council in Brussels, Governments agreed a common position on a proposed revision of EU organic food legislation, which will be considered by the European Parliament in the next stage of the EU decision making process.
