Vol. 564 No. 3
78 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the Government's position regarding the EU Commission staff working paper dated 12 December 2002, Analysis of the Possibility of a European Action Plan for Organic Food and Farming; and his views on its general finding that the take-up of organic farming by farmers is only as strong as the commitment to organic farming by regional or national government. [9217/03]
The Commission staff working paper refers to "a strong commitment to organic farming on the part of regional and national governments by way of the agri-environment programmes". Ireland's agri-environment programme, the rural environment protection scheme, REPS, provides substantial financial support to farmers both during conversion to organic farming and subsequently once they have achieved organic status. Under REPS, organic farmers can avail of a supplementary payment on top of the basic payment. During the conversion period, an organic farmer can receive up to €13,280 a year. Once organic status is achieved, a farmer may receive up to €9,680. Organic farmers have received more than €20 million in REPS payments since the scheme was introduced in 1994. I am satisfied that the support provided through REPS is one of the major inducements to Irish farmers to consider the organic option.
I have previously indicated my support for the development of a European action plan for organic food and farming and I welcome the publication of the Commission staff working paper.
Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 23.
