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Organic Farming

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021

Thursday, 21 October 2021

Questions (47)

Martin Browne

Question:

47. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the measures for the organic sector in Budget 2022. [50771/21]

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Written answers

I am delighted to have secured a significant increase in the budget for organic farming for 2022. Funding for the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) has been increased to €21 million up from €16million last year with a further €2 million for further organic sector development measures.  This increase is very welcome and addresses the growing demand from both farmers and consumers for this type of production. This effectively doubles the funding for organics since I took office less than two years ago. 

As you will be aware the current Programme for Government contains a commitment to align Ireland’s organic land area with that of the current EU average of approximately 7.5% over the lifetime of this Government. Budget 2022, with its increased allocation for organic farming, will assist in working towards that. At the same time I will also be continuing to progress the implementation of the National Organic Strategy 2019-2025 which sets out ambitious growth targets for the sector by aligning it closely with market opportunities.

The additional funding to be allocated to the opening of the Organic Farming Scheme in 2022 could provide for an additional fifty thousand hectares converting to organic production in 2022. This would represent an increase in excess of 50% increase in the area currently farmed organically and takes us further along the route to the goal of 7.5% land cover. I am encouraging all farmers from all sectors to join and my Department and relevant Agencies and advisory bodies will be working with them before the opening of the scheme. 

In addition to the Organic Farming Scheme,  Budget 2022 will provide funding for other supports for organic farmers, such as the Organic Capital Investment Scheme and the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme. Initiatives to assist in the development of the sector such as the Organic Demonstration Farm Programme and other training and education projects will also be funded. Organic farming and production is a key priority of mine. No Minister or Government has ever funded its expansion to this extent and I intend to continue to invest in its future under the next CAP also.

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