Vol. 576 No. 2
120 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his policy on providing assistance for conventional farmers for organic methods; and the progress to date in implementing the objectives of the organic development committee report in this regard. [29387/03]
My Department already provides attractive financial supports to help farmers to convert from conventional to organic methods. Under the existing 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 still draw REPS payments of up to €9,680 a year. I have submitted proposals to the European Commission for amendments to REPS which, if approved, will make the support for organic production even more attractive.
Organic farmers and farmers in conversion to organic status can also apply for a grant towards the cost of capital investment. These grants can be 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 €508,000.
The report of the organic development committee, which was published in April 2002, recommended the establishment of a number of additional structures. The national steering group, the partnership expert working group and the organic market development group have all met on a number of occasions during 2003. Other recommendations have already been implemented or are well advanced. The first national organic production census was published in October. A dedicated organic farming page has been included on my Department's website. I have already accepted a proposal from the partnership expert working group to establish a network of demonstration farms and these will be up and running in the new year. Three priority research projects have also been identified by this group. The market development group has invited design proposals for a national label for organic produce. A review of the REPS organic supplementary measure has been carried out and the proposals form part of the overall amendments submitted for approval to the European Commission, to which I referred earlier.
I have secured funding for next year to accelerate the implementation of the recommendations of the organic development committee report.
