There has been unprecedented interest among farmers in the Organic Farming Scheme which opened two weeks ago. Gillian Westbrook, CEO of the Irish Organic Association stated that “we anticipate a surge in applications based on the number of farmers who attended our Organic Workshops and webinars over the past few weeks. Prior to this large crowds of farmers attended all the organic events that took place nationally indicating the level of interest out there. The Irish Organic Association has been inundated with questions from farmers about what they need to do to convert their farms and join the Organic Farming Scheme. In response we have compiled an extensive list of some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) on our website, hopefully this resource will be useful to farmers currently considering their options and it really makes for essential reading if you are planning on joining the Organic Farming Scheme,” said Westbrook.

Key questions addressed include;

Do I have to convert my entire farm?

Partial conversion is allowed, however, the organic area needs to be physically, financially and operationally separated from any non-organic land on the same holding. A partial organic conversion may be an option for some farmers who have different enterprises e.g., livestock and tillage or wish to convert separate enterprises on a phased basis.

Can I convert my existing livestock?

No, these animals will never become organic however following the appropriate conversion period they can produce organic stock and/or produce e.g., organic calves, lambs or organic milk. Current stock are generally retained for breeding.

Do I have to use 100% organic feed?

Yes. For all ruminants, a minimum of 60% of the DMI must either be fresh green food or un- milled forage grown to Organic Standards and produced from the holding or linked holdings. Genetically modified feed or ingredients are not allowed in any format either in feed or minerals.

Can leased land be used?

Lease agreements must be in place for the duration of your Organic Farming Scheme contract. An agreement of at least 5 years is therefore required to apply. A copy of the lease should be enclosed with your application. If the land is rented, please enclose a letter confirming annual first refusal from the landlord.

Do I have to use an organic bull?

A bull from a non-organic farm can be bought by an organic farmer, and then managed according to the Organic Standards. Artificial insemination is permitted in organic production, sexed semen is permitted also however heat synchronisation is restricted. Non- organic male breeding animals may be purchased for breeding.

To read the full list of FAQ’s please see https://www.irishorganicassociation.ie/certification/organic-farming-scheme-and-grant-aid-scheme/

 

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett today announced the reopening of the Organic Farming Scheme for new applications from farmers. The reopening, is expected to result in an increase of up to 30% in the number of farmers farming organically in Ireland this year.

The Scheme will be open to applications from all sectors from today  (1^st March) and it will remain open until the 30^th April 2021. The Organic Farming Scheme is an agri-environment measure under the Department’s Rural Development Programme. Farmers entering the scheme could qualify for yearly payments of up to €220 per hectare during the conversion period and up to €170 per hectare when they have achieved full organic status. Higher payment rates are available for organic horticulture and tillage farmers.

Encouraging farmers to apply for the Scheme, the Minister added, “I believe that the significant level of funding provided for this new Scheme will facilitate the entry of 400-500 new farmers into the organic farming system. This should allow scope for plenty of successful applications from all types of enterprises and I would encourage farmers in all sectors to consider applying.”

The Minister continued, “The scheme and funding are closely aligned to the targets in the National Organic Farming Strategy to 2025 and will help us deliver on them. In the event of the scheme being oversubscribed, I will be prioritising those sectors for which most market demand exists, namely the dairy, horticulture and tillage sectors, but I also want to encourage young farmers to convert to organic farming so I will be making provision in the selection process to achieve this too. I have also ensured that farmers who were not successful in gaining entry to the previous scheme, but who have continued to farm organically, have their commitment acknowledged, through priority access.”

Applications for the scheme must be made online through the Department’s online system agfood.ie. The Minister concluded, “The application process itself is quite simple and straightforward. There is a wealth of information and guidance available to farmers through my Deportment, Teagasc and the organic certification bodies. Farmers of course should also speak directly with their own advisor if considering joining the scheme. I would encourage every farmer to inform themselves of the opportunities here and to give it fill consideration.”

Covid-19 has impacted all sectors of the economy, in this month’s column of the Farming Independent the IOA speak to some of their members to see how it has impacted on the organic food sector. To read the full article CLICK HERE

Sean Condon an organic dairy farmer from Limerick has been farming organically since 2005. In this IOA column in the Farming Independent he speaks about his once a day milking system. To read the full article CLICK HERE.