Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 2

Written Answers. - Organic Farming.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

60 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to improve investment in organic farming; if he has satisfied himself with the level of training and start-up support for organic farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25770/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Grant aid towards investment in the organic sector is provided through the scheme of grant aid for the development of the organic sector, which was approved under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The scheme provides grant assistance for both on-farm and off-farm investment in equipment and facilities for preparation, grading, packing, storage and distribution of organic produce. Grant aid is payable at 40% of the eligible cost. The maximum grant payable over the duration of the scheme for on-farm investment is €50,790 while the maximum for off-farm investment is €253,948.

Organic farmers are also eligible for financial support through the rural environment protection scheme. REPS includes a supplementary measure for organic farming whose objective is to encourage producers to respond to the market demand for organically produced food. An organic farmer with 40 hectares in REPS can receive up to €13,280 a year, which includes payment of the basic measure, while a holding is in conversion to full organic status. When full organic status is obtained, such a farmer may receive an annual payment of up to €9,680 which also includes payment of the basic measure.

The organic development committee, established on foot of a recommendation of the AgriFood 2010 committee, concluded that a number of additional structures are required to assist the development of the organic sector. The report also made other recommendations for action by various stakeholders in the organic sector. The first meeting of the national steering group for the organic sector, one of the new structures recommended by the committee, will take place this week and will be followed in due course by the establishment of a partnership expert working group and an organic market development group. The partnership expert working group will co-ordinate, facilitate and monitor the provision of training, education, research and advice.

I hope that these additional structures will assist in identifying any shortcomings in the areas of financial supports and training needs for the organic sector.