Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 7

Written Answers. - Registered Organic Growers.

Brian Cowen

Question:

271 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of registered organic growers; if he has satisfied himself that the target of 600 growers will be met within the life of the current operational programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3532/96]

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

In 1994 approximately 230 organic producers were inspected by the three private organic inspection bodies viz. Irish Organic Farmers and Growers' Association (IOFGA), Organic Trust Ltd. and Demeter Standards Ltd. By 1995 the number of inspections carried out by the inspection bodies had increased by 60 per cent to approximately 370. With this level of increase I feel that the target of 600 will be met by 1999 i.e. the final year of the operational programme referred to by the Deputy.

The Deputy might also be aware that the Organic Farming Supplementary Measure to the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) offers attractive financial incentives to farmers who convert to farming organically or continue to farm organically in accordance with a five year agri-environmental plan. This measure, together with the operational programme, will provide the organic farming sector with a significant boost.