The Organic Farming Scheme, funded through the Common Agriculture Policy, is designed to financially support organic farmers. Under the Scheme, a farmer receives per hectare payments as well as a participation payment to cover additional administrative costs annually (see table below). Grant aid for organic farm infrastructure is also available for different organic sub-sectors under the Organic Capital Investment Scheme.
INTERESTED IN CONVERTING?
Potential new entrants can contact the Irish Organic Association on 090 643 3680 or email info@irishoa.ie, at any time throughout the year, to talk with a member of our friendly team if they have specific questions about a prospective application. Below you will find information on the Scheme and the different steps in the conversion process to support you.
Note that formal applications for the Organic Farming Scheme are currently closed with the next Tranche expected to open in 2023. However, you can convert your farm to organic at any stage, just talk to us to find out more details.
Organic Farming Scheme Payment Rates
All farmers (in-conversion or fully converted) who are part of the Organic Farming Scheme will avail of the above payment rates from 01 January 2023. Learn about the potential payments for your farm using the Department’s Organic Payments Calculator
Participation Payment
All organic farmers and growers who are certified organic can avail of the new Participation Payment under the Organic Farming Scheme. This is an annual payment of €1,400 offered to organic licence holders to cover administration and training costs etc.
Producers who have not previously been in the Scheme will need to:
- Register with DAFM/Regional Veterinary Office to get a herd number when applying. (This is necessary even if you do not have livestock as it currently acts as an identification number), and;
- Complete a Basic Income Support Scheme (BISS) on-line application via the agfood.ie portal.
Please note that growers under 1 hectare can also apply for the Organic Farming Scheme if they can prove that they have a commercial business.
Additional information on the Organic Farming Scheme can be found on the DAFM website.
Grant Aid for Organic Farm Infrastructure
The Organic Capital Investment Scheme part of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme 3 (TAMS 3) provides grant aid of up to 60% for organic farmers participating in the Organic Farming Scheme. It supports cost towards farm buildings as well as specialised equipment and machinery.
HOW TO APPLY?
ORGANIC FARMING SCHEME TERMS & CONDITIONS 2023
Organic Farming Scheme Terms and Conditions 2023FORMS REQUIRED TO JOIN THE SCHEME
Once these forms are submitted to the Irish Organic Association you can apply for the Organic Farming Scheme via Agfood.ie.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In this section you will find information on the most commonly asked questions about converting to organic farming.
Organic Farming (General)
Organic Farming Scheme

- Complete our Application Form and Conversion Plan including soil analysis results and maps
- Fill out the first page of the ORG1 form and include it in your IOA application
- Register your Organic Farming Scheme application with the Department via Agfood.ie*
Cattle
Sheep
Animal Housing

Animal Health
Tillage
Horticulture
ORGANIC PRODUCTION PRINCIPLES COURSE
As part of the Organic Farming Scheme, participants must also complete a 25-hour Organic Production Principles Course within a certain period. The course is offered by various providers around the country, including Teagasc and the National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS)
OTHER GRANT SCHEMES
Organic farmers can also take advantage of other schemes and supports offered by the Department including priority access to ACRES – the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme