Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell has said that the new Organic Farming Scheme, launched by the Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes TD, will support farmers who wish to avail of the growing market opportunities in the organic food sector.
“I am pleased that the Organic Farming Scheme has been opened for application, by Minister Tom Hayes, with immediate effect. The Organic Farming Scheme aims to support farmers to avail of the growing market opportunities which exist for organic food. I would urge farmers in the North County to consider applying to this scheme, particularly as it offers significantly increased rates of aid to successful applicants, both in conversion and when fully established as an organic farm.
“Under this scheme, farmers would enter into a contract for a minimum of five years, during which they would receive standard rates of up to €220 per hectare each year, and up to €170 per hectare when their farm has achieved full organic status. However, higher payment rates are available for organic horticultural and tillage farmers. Applications must be made online, and while there is no requirement to use an Agricultural Advisor to make an application, those who wish to have their advisor make the application on their behalf are able to do so. In addition to this, organic farmers also qualify for priority access into GLAS, which is the new agri-environment scheme.
“It is positive that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is providing such support to farmers, and to those involved in horticultural farming, in realising their potential in the organic food sector and I would urge all interest farmers in the North County to consider applying to this scheme.”