The Department provides attractive financial supports to help farmers to convert from conventional to organic methods. Under the rural environmental protection scheme, farmers in conversion can draw payments of up to €13,280 a year. Once they have reached full organic status and can take advantage of the higher prices commanded by organic produce, they can draw REPS payments of up to €9,680 a year.
Organic farmers and farmers in conversion to organic status can also apply for a grant towards the cost of capital investment. These grants are given for purposes like the modification of animal housing or the purchase of new equipment. The scheme of grant aid for the development of the organic sector offers 40% grant assistance up to a maximum of €50,790 for on-farm projects. Off-farm investment projects are also eligible and grant aid is available up to a maximum of €253,948. The scheme of grant aid for the development of the organic sector offers 40% grant assistance up to a maximum of €50,790 for on-farm projects. Off-farm investment projects are also eligible and grant aid is available up to a maximum of €253,948.
The report of the Organic Development Committee, which was published in April 2002, contained a number of recommendations to develop the organic sector in Ireland. It recommended a number of amendments to the rural environment protection scheme, and these will be considered in the context of the general consultative review of REPS which we initiated before Christmas. The Organic Development Committee also recommended the establishment of a national organic steering group to act as a driving force for the development of the organic sector and a basis for advancing partnership between the organic sector and the other principal essential interests. This group has already met twice and is monitoring the implementation of the other recommendations of the Organic Development Committee.
I believe the implementation of the recommendations of the Organic Development Committee will be of great benefit to existing organic producers, and it will create a stable environment that will encourage conventional farmers to consider the organic option.