Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Dec 1990

Vol. 404 No. 1

Written Answers. - Organic Farming.

Roger T. Garland

Ceist:

95 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has any proposal to subsidise farmers who want to convert their product to the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers symbol standard, having regard to the fact that the combined effect of high levels of residues of chemicals added in commercial farming is unknown and potentially toxic to infants and children over several years of exposure.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

Horticulture — both conventional and organic — is among the proposals for alternative farm enterprises included in the operational programme for rural development which have been submitted to the EC Commission. I will be announcing full details when the programme is approved, which I expect will be very shortly.

In addition, funding of £350,000 was provided in this year's Estimates to assist the overall development of organic farming. These funds have been used to support projects designed to increase the knowledge base of organic farming. In particular, funding has been provided to Teagasc to undertake a long term research and development programme into the methods of production, disease and pest control systems, varieties, etc., most suited to Irish conditions. I have also commissioned CBF to conduct research into the potential market in Europe for Irish organic meat products. Furthermore, aid has been provided for a number of other promotional and educational projects including substantial funding to the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association to enable them improve their structure and expand their range of activities.