Rubina Freiberg

The Organic Farming Scheme and the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme are now open for applications, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, and Minister of State, Senator Pippa Hackett have confirmed.

Both schemes will remain open for applications from all sectors until Friday, November 29, 2024. Applicants from the dairy, horticultural and tillage sectors will receive priority access to the Organic Farming Scheme.

Ireland’s National Organic Strategy 2024-2030 aims to increase the share of land being farmed organically from approximately 5% this year to 10% by 2030, and to treble the wholesale value of organic output to €750 million.

Drystock farmers entering into a contract could qualify for yearly payments of up to €300/ha during the conversion period, and up to €250/ha when they have achieved full organic status.

Higher payment rates are available for organic horticultural and tillage farmers. In addition, a participation payment of €2,000 in the first year of conversion and €1,400 per annum thereafter has been introduced to support organic farmers.

“In the last two years alone, the number of organic farms has more than doubled, and there has been significant investment made in market development, Minister Hackett said, adding that the current level of interest in organic farming is “unprecedented”.

“The reopening of the Organic Farming Scheme will allow us to support even more farmers to produce food in a way that is good for climate, nature and water quality.

“While the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme will add value to that organic food further down the supply chain, ultimately helping to improve farm gate prices.”

Organic farming and processing

Announcing the scheme opening, Minister McConalogue said: “My own ambition for the agricultural sector is to see farmers across Ireland supported to pursue the agricultural activity that best suits their farm and their family situation.

“The Organic Farming Scheme provides the vehicle for those interested in organic farming to do so. Support comes not only in the form of very attractive scheme payments, but also through funding for promotion to drive increased consumer sales volumes.”

The minister said a feed survey carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) showed that, due to the “significant increase” in organic livestock over the last three years, there is “huge demand” for organic livestock feed.

Demand for organic livestock feed, allied with increased demand for food-grade organic oats, is a “real opportunity” for tillage farmers,” Minister McConalogue said.

One of the key actions of the organic strategy is to reduce leakage of produce from the organic sector to conventional, and the government therefore wants to encourage investment in organic processing capacity, he said.

The grant rate in the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme has been increased to 60%, with an allocation of €3.5 million for 2025. The minister said investment in the sector has more than trebled this year compared to the average of the previous five years.

The latest tranche of the scheme will run until November 29, 2024. The terms and conditions of the scheme and application forms are available on the DAFM’s website under ‘Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme’.

A guide to the Organic Farming Scheme application process and an FAQ document is also available on the DAFM’s website to assist potential applicants under ‘Organic Farming Scheme’. 

Minister Hackett recently returned from Germany where she launched Ireland’s first-ever co-funded European pasture-fed organic beef and lamb campaign.

“I know from the organic trade missions I have led that European retailers I met are confident about the future of the sector, and that they are looking for regular supply of quality organic Irish produce at scale.

“This is a huge opportunity, and Bord Bia will continue to promote Irish organic food both at home and abroad, including in the key German market, which is worth €16 billion per year,” the minister of state said.

Published Date: October 17, 2024