Huge challenge to boost Irish organic farming output

Ireland lags far most EU member states in use of agricultural land for organic farming. File picture: David Creedon / Anzenberger

Brussels has revealed ambitious plans for EU member states to use a quarter of agricultural land for organic farming by 2030 – leaving Ireland a major challenge to boost its paltry 1.6% set aside for the practice.

Just 8.5% of the EU’s total agricultural area is used for organic farming, despite a major push in the last decade.