The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) claims that regular beef cost more than certified organic beef this week. What’s more, they state that a premium of at least EUR 1/kg is necessary to incentivise farmers to convert to organic cattle farming. That’s because organic farming has lower output.
“This week, we have seen the prices paid for conventional cattle exceeding those paid for organic cattle,” said ICSA organics chair Fergal Byrne.
“This is completely unsustainable when you consider the higher costs involved in rearing organic cattle.
“It should come as no surprise to anyone that it is more expensive to produce organic beef – due to lower volume of farm output – and farmers need to have confidence when they go to sell their produce that this will be taken into consideration.
“There is absolutely no incentive for farmers to go to the extra expense of producing organically when those producing conventionally are getting paid more,” commented Byrne.
One solution might be in allocating more resources to the promotion of organic produce, therefore gaining access to new markets for these goods. That way, factory prices can be combined with Organic Farming Scheme supports, encouraging farmers to convert and contribute towards reaching organic targets.
“Government policy is to encourage more farmers to switch to organics, but we must be able to demonstrate that it is a financially viable option.
“However, as things stand that is very difficult to do and the job will get even harder if we cannot re-establish a premium of at least EUR 1/kg extra for organic cattle,” he concluded.