The low number of applications for the Organic Farming Scheme has been described as a “wake-up call” for the sector.
It was hoped between 400 and 500 farmers would join. Just 317 farmers applied for the 2021 scheme.
Fergal Byrne chair of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) has said the scheme’s application process needs to be overhauled as the scoring system is weighted heavily against cattle and sheep farmers.
The ICSA representative pointed out the opening of the REAP Scheme in the run up to the closing date for the organics scheme was unhelpful.
“Farmers were forced to choose between the two schemes as those in the organics scheme were excluded from applying. Many are worried that going forward they will not be able to reap the full benefit of other agri-environment schemes if they are participating in the organics scheme,” Mr Byrne said.
“This is a big stumbling block and one that must be addressed if farmers are to be persuaded that they will not be at a financial disadvantage if they switch to organics.”
Mr Byrne said that bonuses on organic produce was a disincentive for livestock producers to join the organic scheme.
Mr Byrne urged Teagasc and Bord Bia to step up to the plate.
“Organic farming is not a hobby; it is a serious business in terms of the economic potential and the environmental good it can deliver. It represents the best of what we can produce in the most environmentally sustainable way, yet it has been consigned to no more than an afterthought by these agencies and it’s just not good enough.”
LSL News.