The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) is expected to reopen to new applicants on February 9, 2022.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, has secured extra funding of €5m for new entrant organic farmers in Budget 2022.
Minister Hackett states that the increased budget will encourage further uptake of organic farming; offer a viable income to farmers; and assist Ireland in meeting “ambitious” targets in the Programme for Government.
Proposed changes have been submitted to the Department’s Rural Development Programme monitoring committee – these are in regard to the scheme’s entry and payment structure. The DAFM will finalise the scheme towards the end of this process.
Hackett said that the changes “demonstrate my determination to encourage every type of farmer to consider going organic. These improvements also highlight my commitment to using every lever I can to increase to 7.5% the area of land under organic production.”
Extensively stocked farmers will now be in a position to receive a full Organic Farming Scheme payment provided they satisfy the minimum stocking levels that apply under the Area of Natural Constraints Scheme.
The minister believes these proposals will make the scheme more attractive to a lot more farmers. “With higher input costs forecast this year for farmers, expanding market opportunities for Irish organic produce and the drive for Irish farming to be more environmentally friendly, now is surely the time for all Irish farmers to give serious consideration to joining the scheme.”
Farmers entering into a contract could qualify for yearly payments of up to €220 per hectare during the conversion period. They can avail of up to €170 per hectare when they have achieved full organic status.
The DAFM issues higher payment rates for organic horticultural and tillage farmers.
If the scheme is over-subscribed, the DAFM will determine successful applications by a selection process. It will award marks for each sector with the aim of increasing the area under organic production, while prioritising areas deemed to be in deficit.
The closing date for applications is April 8, 2022.
LSL News.