Opening of the Organic Farming Scheme pivotal for the development of the sector says IOFGA

IOA welcomed the announcement of the opening of the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) for 2013. Gillian Westbrook, General Manager of IOA stated, “the opening of the scheme is extremely important for farmers waiting to enter the organic sector, and particularly for those existing organic farmers who were previously in REPS 4. The scheme is pivotal for the development of organic farming. Demand for Irish organic produce continues to rise, and with beef prices currently reaching €5.10/kg there is a growing confidence and stability within the sector”.

“We are delighted to have the continued support of the OFS as we want to encourage farmers to participate in the ultimate sustainable low-input farming system, and thereby deliver on the core objectives of the CAP” she stated. The scheme is administered by the Organic Unit in the Department of Agriculture. The closing date for the scheme is May 15.

Copies of the revised Organic Farming Scheme terms and conditions, together with application forms, are available on the Department’s organics page at http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/organicfarming/organicsscheme/organicfarmingscheme2007-2013