Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021
54. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that were introduced in Budget 2022 to support the organic sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50768/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
I am delighted to have secured a big 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. The definitive allocations will be set out in the 2022 Revised Estimates Volume which will be published later this year.
This increase in funding will allow for the re-opening of the Organic Farming Scheme early in 2022 and I hope to attract as many new farmers as possible to join. The funding allows potentially 50,000 new hectares to farmed organically and I will be encouraging farmers form all sectors to join.
As well as the Organic Farming Scheme, my Department have several different supports in place specifically for organic farmers, such as the Organic Capital Investment Scheme and the Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme.
The Organic Capital Investment Scheme provides support specifically for Organic Farmers with the aim of ensuring a regular supply of high-quality organic produce for the market. It enables farmers to apply for grant aid for investment in buildings and machinery. Funding for this type of investment is included under the funding for TAMS in Budget 2022.
The Organic Processing Investment Grant Scheme(OPIG) is also available to aid organic processors who wish to invest in developing facilities for the processing, preparation, grading, packing and storage of organic products. Aid is available for off-farm projects and processors and some €1.2 million has been allocated to this Scheme for 2022.
In addition to these specific supports for organic farmers and producers, my Department funds other initiatives to assist in the development of the sector such as providing funding for the Organic Demonstration Farm Programme and other training and education initiatives, €250,000 has been allocated for this purpose for 2022.
