Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 1

Written Answers - Organic Farming.

John Ellis

Question:

236 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the moneys he is receiving from the EU for the promotion of organic farming; and if he will make a statement regarding the distribution of these funds. [2264/96]

John Ellis

Question:

237 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to assist Irish organic farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2265/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 237 together.

Assistance is currently available to farmers participating in the rural environment protection scheme (REPS) who convert to or continue with organic farming. The rate of payment, which is in addition to the basic REPS grant, is as follows: (i) in the case of producers with areas greater than 3 hectares (ha.) and also for cereal and grassland producers an annual payment of £150 approx. is made for a two year conversion period. The payment is £75 approx. per ha. for full organic status. (ii) £200 approx. per ha. annually for vegetable producers farming less than 3 ha. during the two year conversion phase and an annual payment of £100 approx. per ha. thereafter for those with full organic status. My Department is also operating a scheme of grant-aid for the development of the organic farming sector under the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry. This scheme provides the following assistance: (i) To farmers, groups, companies or co-operatives for the provision of facilities for grading, packing, storage and distribution of organic produce. The level of aid from my Department is 50 per cent in respect of capital expenditure subject to a maximum investment of £70,000. (ii) To recognised bodies e.g. An Bord Bia and An Bord Glas for marketing and promotion in support of organic farming. The level of aid from my Department is 70 per cent subject to a maximum investment of £30,000 per year. Expenditure by my Department under this scheme is eligible for recoupment from the European Union at the rate of 75 per cent. A total of £1 million has been allocated to this scheme over the period 1995 to 1999.

My Department also makes a contribution towards the cost of each inspection carried out by the three approved organic inspection and certification bodies in accordance with Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91, as amended. An amount of £10,000 has been provided in the 1996 Estimates for this purpose.