Minister Hackett announces extension of closing date for the Organic Farming Scheme – Gov.ie

From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 
Published on 6 April 2022
Last updated on 6 April 2022
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, has announced that the closing date for the Organic Farming Scheme has been extended for new applicants to Friday 22 April 2022. The scheme, which is part of the Programme for Government commitment to substantially increase land farmed organically in Ireland, comes with an additional €5m in budget to take in new entrants.
Announcing the extended application window for the scheme, Minister Hackett said:
“The series of public consultations that has taken place in March 2022 across the country on the new CAP has generated significant interest from farmers in converting to organic farming and the supports that are available. To ensure maximum opportunity for those who are interested in applying during the current scheme window , I have decided to extend the closing date by a further two weeks to Friday 22 April 2022. I have listened to farmers and their advisors on the need for this extension, and I am pleased now to announce an extension so that they have more time to consider and submit applications”.
Changes to the scheme this year have included lowering the required stocking rate and also expanding the area paid at the higher rate. Making the point that the organic farming scheme will contribute significantly to the expansion of organic farming in Ireland, the Minister continued:
“I hope the extended closing date will attract more farmers to consider joining the scheme. There is potential for farmers to receive up to €15,000 per year under the scheme. In a time of high input costs for farmers, the Organic Farming Scheme offers an opportunity for farm enterprises to diversify and I would really encourage farmers to consider availing of the high level of supports that my Department is providing for those converting to organic farming.”
Notes to Editors:
The Organic Farming Scheme is an agri-environment measure under the Department’s Rural Development Programme. Farmers entering the scheme could qualify for yearly payments of up to €220 per hectare during the conversion period and up to €170 per hectare when they have achieved full organic status. Higher payment rates are available for organic horticulture and tillage farmers. Farmers who apply this year can also avail of any new rates introduced next year under the new CAP.
• The area at which farmers will receive higher payment has been increased from 60ha to 70 ha in recognition of the larger area farmed by full time farmers.
• 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.
• A guide to the Organic Farming Scheme application process and a FAQ document is available on the Department’s website to assist potential applicants at www.gov.ie/en/service/d46aec-organic-farming-scheme/
• Teagasc have developed a series of new Organic Factsheets to give information to farmers considering organic enterprise options. In addition, a new guide “Organic Farming – A Step-by-Step Guide to Conversion” has been developed and is available on the Teagasc website www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/organics/
• If the Scheme is over-subscribed, successful applications will be determined by a ranking and selection process. Marks will be awarded for each sector with the aim of increasing the area under organic production, while prioritising areas deemed to be in deficit. The areas deemed to be in deficit by the Organic Strategy Group are dairy, tillage and horticulture.
• Copies of the Organic Farming Scheme terms and conditions are available on the Department’s organics page at www.gov.ie/en/service/d46aec-organic-farming-scheme/
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Tags: organic