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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 7

Written Answers. - Organic Farming.

Ivor Callely

Question:

166 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his policy on organic farming; the level of support available for these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9565/98]

An organic farming unit was set up in my Department in 1990 to help to develop organic farming. Since then my Department has supported a number of initiatives to support the organic sector. At present funding for organic farming is available through the REP scheme, where £1.88 million has been paid to farmers in REPS who participate in a measure to undertake organic farming; a scheme of grant aid for the development of the organic farming sector under the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry, 1994-99. This scheme provides financial assistance in respect of approved investments as follows: aid to farmers, groups, companies or co-operatives for the provision of grading, packing, storage and distribution of organic produce. Grant aid is at the rate of 5 per cent subject to a maximum investment of £70,000; aid to recognised bodies for the marketing and promotion of organic farming. Grant aid is at the rate of 70 per cent subject to a maximum investment of £30,000 per year. To date under this scheme funding totalling £183,000 has been provided to 27 applicants.

Funding has also been provided on an annual basis since 1993, to the three private organic inspection bodies — Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association Ltd., Organic Trust Ltd., and Demeter Standards Ltd — towards inspections carried out by them under the EEC regulation on organic farming of crop products. The measures, implemented by my Department, have encouraged more farmers to convert to organic farming practices and assisted the marketing of organic produce. It is likely that the demand for organically produced food will continue to grow in the future and I am confident that with the supports available from my Department this demand will be met by our own producers.

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