Ivor Callely
Question:186 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his policy for the promotion and development of organic farming; and his views on the success to date of this industry.
Written Answers. - Organic Farming.
An Organic Farming Unit was set up in my Department in 1990 to develop all aspects of organic farming. The value of output of the sector is estimated to be worth about £1 million per annum and there is considerable potential for expansion.
Under a Pilot Scheme of Grant Aid for Investments in Organic Farming Enterprises operated by the Unit, some £88,000 was paid to 32 organic producers, co-ops and firms under this scheme.
Also the following initiatives have been supported to date at a cost of approximately £536,000.
(i) the establishment of an organic farming module in UCD's agricultural science degree course.
(ii) the establishment by Teagasc of an organic research and development programme at Johnstown Castle and training demonstration units at Kildalton College and Mount Bellew Agricultural College.
(iii) a survey by CBF on the market at home and abroad for organic meat.
(iv) a SFADCo programme to develop organic farming in the Mid-West region.
(v) development by the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA) of its organisational structures and its promotional and educational activities.
(vi) an information leaflet and, with Teagasc, a video on organic farming have been produced by the Unit.
The promotion and development of organic farming will be facilitated by the implementation of EC Regulation 2092/91 on organic farming standards which came into effect on 1 January 1993. This Regulation applies to:
(i) unprocessed agricultural crops products, and
(ii) products intended for human consumption composed essentially of one or more ingredients of plant origin.
Such products may not be labelled as "organic" unless they comply with the rules of production set out in the Regulation.
Organic operators i.e. producers, processors and distributors must notify their activities to my Department and submit them to the inspection system set out in the Regulation.
My Department has approved three private inspection bodies to carry out inspections under the Regulation:
1. Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA).
2. Organic Trust Ltd.
3. Demeter Standards Ltd.
Implementation of the Regulation will guarantee that produce, for which consumers pay a premium price, meets minimum EC standards.
A draft scheme is being prepared in my Department to give effect to the Agri-Environment measure of Common Agricultural Policy reform. Among the elements being considered for inclusion in this scheme is an incentive payment for farmers who introduce or agree to continue with organic farming methods.