Of the 380 applicants the Organic Farming Scheme, 40% were from cattle farming enterprises, while nearly a third were from sheep farming enterprises.

The new Organic Farming Scheme has generated an unprecedented level of interest in going organic, with 870 applications, compared to a previous annual maximum of 380 applications.

With the Organic Farming Scheme 2015 opened until May 29, and with a payments increase of up to 60%, interest in the sector is higher than it has been in some years.

With the Organic Farming Scheme 2015 opened until May 29, and with a payments increase of up to 60%, interest in the sector is higher than it has been in some years.

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.