Ivor Callely
Ceist:109 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will give details of the progress on organic farming in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10999/97]
Written Answers. - Organic Farming.
Significant progress has been made in the area of organic farming. The number of farmers engaged in organic farming is close on 600 compared with the position in 1990 when there were only 165 organic farmers in Ireland. This increase is due in the main to the attractive financial incentives available under the rural environment protection scheme to farmers who convert to or continue to farm organically.
Additionally a special scheme for the development of the organic farming sector has been provided for under the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry, 1994-99. Under this scheme grant-aid is available in respect of marketing and promotion as well as capital investment projects. This scheme was introduced in 1995 and to date 12 projects have been grant-aided. Applications have also been received under the 1997 tranche of the scheme.
The Deputy should also be aware that in 1996 to further the development of the organic sector, my colleague Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan, established an organic consultative committee to advise him on all aspects of the organic agriculture and food industry. This committee is chaired by the Minister of State and has representation from State and private organic interests.
Finally, my Department has organised a symposium on organic farming, the aim of which is to enlighten existing and potential organic farmers on all aspects of the organic farming sector, in Portlaoise tomorrow.