http://soundchoir.com/collaborate-with-sound/ The Teagasc Organic Demonstration Farm walk series begin again on November 3rd. The walk takes place on the Whitty farm which is an organic dairy farm located near New Ross in Co. Wexford. Start time is 11am and you must register to attend the event.

CLICK HERE to register

The Irish Government has announced that €256m of Pillar II CAP support will be allocated to the development of organic farmland under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The announcement is part of the Government’s indicative spending allocations for the future CAP.

Gillian Westbrook, Irish Organic Association CEO, said “The Irish Organic Association welcomes the stated commitment from Taoiseach Michael Martin and Ministers Charlie McConalogue and Pippa Hackett today to boost investment in Ireland’s organic farming sector. This proposal must build on current organic spending and be complemented by other CAP supports as well as investments in supply chain and market development so that the sector can reach its full potential”.

The Irish Organic Association is a member of the Department’s CAP Consultative Committee and has been actively calling for a more ambitious organic farming scheme that rewards and incentivises existing organic farmers and potential new convertors. As more details are announced, the IOA will be assessing these proposals, including the need for priority access for organic farmers to environmental schemes and investment support.

The second in a series of organic webinars hosted by Teagasc takes place this coming Wednesday at 7.30pm. This webinar focuses on Options for Organic Tillage Growers. To find out more and to register for the event CLICK HERE

Minister Pippa Hackett today expressed her departments ongoing commitment to organic farming with an increase in spending allocated towards organic farming for the year ahead. The Irish Organic Association welcome the increase and ambition for organic farming by the government.

“There’s a big increase in the allocation for the organic sector, with the funding going from €18 to €23 million, of which €21m will be provided for the organic farming scheme. This is an additional €5m in the scheme budget compared to last year and allows for the reopening of the scheme to new entrants in 2022. Overall, this more than doubles the amount allocated to organics since I’ve come into office. It demonstrates our commitment to expanding the sector and allows many more farmers to make the transition to organic farming. I am determined to work with all stakeholders and advisory services to ensure all farmers are fully aware of the opportunities which going organic can provide. And I intend to publish, very shortly, a targeted ‘Action Plan for Organics’, which will complement the National Organic Strategy 2019-2025” said Minister Hackett. 

Minister McConalogue has launched the Pilot Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme. The sampling is designed to gather baseline information to inform agricultural policy and advisory services and will focus on the following:

• Macro- and micronutrients for agronomic advice and water quality risk assessment.
• Soil carbon(C) relating primarily to improving climate objectives and soil health.
• Farm-level E. coli assessment

The pilot is open to farmers who applied for the BPS in 2021 with applications accepted on a first come first served basis until the programme is fully subscribed. Each sample is taken over a maximum of 4 hectares and is limited to a maximum of 64 hectares on each farm (equivalent of 16 samples). Farmers must provide the samplers with access to fields, but there is no remuneration. However, participants will be provided with results for their respective farm. Read the full terms and conditions by clicking on the link below.

Pilot Soil Sampling Programme TCs 210921