Too early for most farmers to make the jump to organic

The opportunities are there but the challenge is to align organic production with market requirements and consumer demand

April 30 is the deadline for farmers to apply to join the Organic Farming Scheme, if they want to avail of Government support to make the transition from conventional to organic agriculture easier. From the business point of view, it is a difficult decision, but the way forward may become clearer as the EU finalises its plans for organic farmers.

There may well be opportunities for farmers in converting to organic.

Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity Pippa Hackett can speak from experience on the potential for organic farming.