Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
111 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has plans to follow the example of other EU member states and set targets for organic production; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23931/04]
View answerAt present, organic production occupies less than 1% of the agricultural land area of the country. The organic development committee, in its 2002 report, estimated that a target of 3% of land area by 2006 was achievable.
Ultimately it is producers and consumers who will determine whether that target is achieved. There is a growing demand for organic food among consumers. I hope it will be further stimulated by the recently published guide to organic food and farming, which was produced by the organic market development committee in which my Department is a participant.
At present, however, much of that consumer demand has to be met by imported produce. There are real opportunities here for Irish producers. I believe that the introduction of the single payment scheme in January will give many farmers an opportunity to give serious consideration to the organic option, and I would urge them to do so. The rural environment protection scheme offers substantial financial support to organic farmers, and one of the new elements in REPS 3 is the possibility of converting part of a farm to organic production rather than the entire farm as was previously the case.
