The Organic Farming Scheme opened on October 20th and will close on December 9th. The Irish Organic Association are hosting an online webinar to assist farmers and advisors with the application process for the Organic Farming Scheme. The webinar follows on from two webinars held in October and 4 regional meetings. The webinar takes place on November 16th at 7pm. To register for the event simply text Organic followed by your name and email address to 51444, or email info@irishoa.ie and we will be in touch.
Huge interest in the Organic Farming Scheme
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/
Organic Farming Scheme 2023 Open until 9th December 2022
20/10/2022 – The Organic Farming Scheme 2023 was opened today by the Minister of State for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Pippa Hackett. The closing date for applications is 9th December 2022.
The Organic Farming Scheme is funded through Ireland’s new CAP Strategic Plan and aims to financially support farmers through per hectare payments as well as a participation payment to cover additional administrative costs annually for farming organically. For further information about the scheme, including forms and guidance please CLICK HERE
The Irish Organic Association have organised Organic Workshops to help farmers and advisors with the application process. These will be held over the coming weeks in October.
- October 20th, Blarney Woollen Mills, Cork
- October 24th, Horse and Jockey, Co. Tipperary
- October 28th, Athlone Springs, Athlone
All Organic Workshops are free to attend and run from 3-6pm. To book in text Organic followed by your preferred date & venue to 51444.
New Agri Climate Rural Environment Scheme – ACRES Open
19/10/2022 – The new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was formally opened by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue today. Farmer applications to the scheme must be submitted by an accredited ACRES advisor by 21st November 2022, with priority access for organic farmers.
Organic Workshops to assist with paperwork to join the Organic Farming Scheme
The Irish Organic Association have announced details of upcoming Organic Workshops related to the Organic Farming Scheme application process. If you are a farmer or advisor interested in attending these free workshops simply get in touch with us to book your place. Below is a list of dates and venues, so come along and we will assist you with the application process to join the Organic Farming Scheme.
- October 17th, Ard Ri Hotel, Tuam, Co. Galway
- October 20th, Blarney Woollen Mills, Cork
- October 24th, Horse and Jockey, Co. Tipperary
- October 28th, Athlone Springs, Athlone
All Organic Workshops are free to attend and run from 3-6pm. To book in text Organic followed by your preferred date & venue to 51444.
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