New rates announced for organic farms

The new rates would apply from 2023.

At today's announcement was Teagasc director Frank O’Mara; Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Pippa Hackett; and Ali Duck and Dominic Leonard of Castlewood Organic Farm, Durrow, Co Laois. Picture: Fennell Photography

Higher payment rates for converting to organic farming have been announced.

These enhanced rates, subject to approval by the European Commission as part of ongoing discussions on approval of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, could see drystock farmers getting €300 per hectare for up to 70 hectares during the two years of conversion, and €250/ha for years three to five of the scheme.