Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
1042. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to extending the organics scheme criteria for applications due to the sharp rise in the cost of fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13490/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was very pleased to recently reopen the Organic Farming Scheme and I hope that as many farmers as possible are giving consideration to converting. Interested farmers will find a wealth of supporting and informative material available from my Department, Teagasc, the Organic Certification Bodies or from their farm adviser.
Applications will be accepted from all sectors and the scheme is currently open. Successful applications will be determined by a ranking and selection process in the event that the Scheme is over-subscribed. This selection process will allocate marks to each sector with the aim of increasing the area under organic production, while prioritising areas deemed to be in deficit. The areas deemed to be in deficit by the Organic Strategy Group are dairy, tillage and horticulture.
While the ranking and selection process will prioritise these areas, I believe that the level of funding provided for this new Scheme will facilitate the entry of 400-500 new farmers into the organic farming system. This should allow successful applications from enterprises other than those deemed to be in deficit.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 30th April.
